Weekend...

I don't know about you guys but I am so excited that it is the weekend.  This week has been a weird one for me, and I am ready to relax, watch some football, and eat some good food.  I guess this could be considered a practice for Thanksgiving.  (well minus most of that food).  Anyways.  I hope that everyone is coming up with creative ideas for the new contest. 

A reminder that if you are planning on going on the summer trips, talk to your parents because the first deadline is coming up soon.  (I believe that free t-shirts are included if you sign up now).  I hope that you guys will consider going.  It looks like a great time.

Also Sunday night youth at the youth house.  Normal time. 

Have a great weekend.  It should be beautiful weather!

~until later

New Contest - 12 days of Christmas

And now for the moment you have been waiting on...the rules for the newest contest.

There is a list of 12 tasks/items that your immediate family (those living in the house with you) need to capture with a camera.  This is based on your interpretation of the list and you may be as creative as you wish.

Rules
1. Get the family together and take pictures proving that you accomplished the task.  Each family member should be in each picture.
2. Once you have completed the list e mail them to thebygblog@hotmail.com
3. Complete the list by 12-15-10!
4. There will be multiple winners so get those pictures in.

The List
1. With a Christmas inflatable
2. Drinking hot chocolate on a couch
3. Bundled up in winter gear
4. On or with a tractor
5. Around Andy and Alison's car
6. With the BYG Youth House sign
7. With a llama or camel
8. With Santa
9. At your Thanksgiving Dinner
10. With a Nativity Scene
11. With an animal dressed for the holidays
12. With a Christmas Tree
I will post this on the side bar tomorrow so that you can keep going back to the list. 

Catch up time...

I will try to be brief in my update.  Please forgive me for not posting recently.

1.  I have heard reports that the lock in was a great time.  The youth house was busting with activity and some great tournaments were played.  Once the youth moved to the church more games were played and a great time was had.

2.  I have updated the trivia game.  Since I have been on the road last week I missed a Tuesday, so everyone that was registered got 6 points for my mistake. 

3.  The "love your neighbor contest" ended with no winner.  No parent reported that a youth had done a good deed which implies that no youth read the rules to the contest.  A new contest will be posted tomorrow with the rules and end date of the contest.  It should be really fun for the entire family. 

4.  The packing party for Operation Christmas Child was great.  A lot of boxes were packed.  I believe a little over 100 boxes are ready to be sent to the processing center.

5.  There will be youth on Sunday the 14th.

6. Thanksgiving is right around the corner.  What are some things that you are thankful for and what are your plans for the holiday?

I will have more to post later once I am able to catch up with Andy and get some details of up coming events.  If you have an announcement please email me at thebygblog@hotmail.com and I will be happy to post for you.

~until later

lock-in

The lock-in is fast approaching!  I hope that you guys have a great time tonight and don't drive the adults crazy. 

Don't forget today is Maggie Lee for Good Day.  Don't forget to do something nice for someone (even if it is just holding the door for someone).  

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

~until later

Reminder

Last year the youth discussed Maggie Lee for Good day in honor for Maggie Lee Henson.  Check out the website below and plan to do one kind act on Friday the 29th.  Alison says that the kind act can be going to bed early at the lock in if you would like.

http://www.maggieleeforgood.org/

~until later

Quick Update

I have updated the trivia question on the side.  Don't forget to e mail me the answer and if you haven't already signed up do so.  It isn't too late to sign up.  Prize for the winners will be given at the end of year party. 

I have talked to Andy and he said that so far there is no winner for the latest contest.  You still have time!  A new contest will be posted at the beginning of November.  Be ready for some adventure!

It isn't too late to sign up for the lock in. 

What is your favorite haunted house memory?  Leave a comment for all to read.  I am not ashamed to admit that I hated haunted houses and had to be carried out of one when I was a little kid, I crawled under the wall of one and escaped back to the beginning where one of my parents was waiting.

E mail me pictures of your favorite costumes (or parents your kids most embarrassing pics from Halloween).

~until later

Deepest Darkest Me

I have been told that Sunday night was a small but great group of youth for some good discussion. 

Thanks to the Lemons for feeding to youth. 

The night started with watching some football, playing pool, playing games, and eating.  Discussion on the "deepest darkest me" was centered around that God knows everything about us, even the things that we try to hide or mask and he still loves us.  The hope is that when everyone comes to youth that they will be able to take off their mask and be themselves and be open and honest with everyone so that they can hold each other accountable and responsible for their actions. 

Don't forget the lock in is Friday!  It should be a night of fun!  Don't forget to let Andy know if you will be there. 

Also don't forget to submit ideas for themes for the next dinner/auction.  thebygblog@hotmail.com

~until later

Tazewell

Mark your calendars for December 9-12 for a weekend in Tazewell.  This will be in place of the trip to WV.  Talk to your parents (they have been sent an informative e mail with all the information) or e mail Andy or myself for more information.  We will be collecting toys, food, and blankets to pass out to those who have fallen on hard times.  We hope that you will be able to go, but they will need to know as soon as you have a firm answer.  Hope you have a great Thursday and are ready for Friday!  YAY!

~until later

It's raining, it's pouring...

Well hello on this Wednesday morning!  I have been asked to post something about the December Mission Trip to Tazewell, TN.  I will dedicate a special post tomorrow about that trip (this is a stalling technique until I can find out more information). 

In honor of this rainy day here are a few facts about rain. 

The umbrella was originally invented to protect people from the hot sun.
Rain drops can fall at speeds of about 22 miles an hour.
Rain drops do not fall in a tear drop shape, they fall in the shape of a flat oval


We still don't have any winners for the contest that is ending soon...A new contest will be posted after the lock in.

~until later

10-19-10

Can anyone guess what today is and why it is so important? 

Just wanted to let you know that I have updated the trivia question and still have a few prizes to give away at the lock in.  Have you signed up for the lock in?  Andy needs to know that you will be there so that enough food will be purchased.  You can facebook him or send me an email to pass on to him. 

Fall is here - the leaves are changing and it is getting cooler! 

~until later

Sunday review

Good Morning to you all!

I was told that Sunday night was a fun night for all those who came to youth.  There were some games played, some football watched, more games, and good discussion.  It was boys vs girls in a game of name brands (each person had to draw or explain a name brand of something used today).  I have been told the girls won that game.  The discussion went to is it bad to buy name brand items and I believe that everyone agreed that as long as it doesn't change who you are and that as long as it is what you want that it isn't bad to buy name brand things.  The youth also talked a little about stewardship and will be helping out with that in a month or so. 

The lock in is Friday the 29th.  Go to facebook and let Andy know you will be there or you can email me and I will pass it on to the youth leaders.

Don't forget to sign up and get your points for the trivia game and we still don't have any winners for the contest.

~Until later

Random Fact

HELLO! Today is Thursday and it seems the clouds have rolled in. While you guys are at school looking out the window wishing that you could be at home or hanging out with friends some people are at work wishing the same thing! On this gloomy day I will leave you with a fun fact to impress your friends or not...


It is against the law to roller skate without notifying the police.
North Canton, Ohio, United States

Makes me wonder if there is a Sonic up there if they have to call when they get to work...

Go to Facebook and let Andy know if you are going to the lock in on the 29th. It will be tons of fun. I have heard that you get to play in the church in the dark (man hunt?). Anyways sounds like a good time. (Also contest will be over at the lock in and prize given, so be sure to read the rules and win by the 28th - this contest isn't limited to only one winner). The next person that signs up for the trivia game gets a prize at the lock in too. thebygblog@hotmail.com

~Until later.

anyone out there..

Hello.....is there anyone out there???

Sorry for the delay in posts...between Internet messing up, blog services being down, and a faulty computer, I have really fallen down on my job! 

Things seem to be working better now sooo let's get started.

I will post a new question in a matter of minutes.  We still only have two people signed up.  Also we don't have any winners on the contest yet (that will be over at the lock in).  The prizes won't be "Andy's Fabulous prizes,"  these will actually be cool especially for the contest that will start in November!!! 

Praise God for the miners in Chile that are being rescued!

Sign up for the lock in!  It will be Friday Oct 29th from 8pm until 8am.  I have been told that some of you have been promised some food and that it will be served at the lock in, be there!

~Later

Catching up....

I tried to post yesterday, but it wouldn't let me sign on and update so I have a lot of information to pass on, so bear with me if this gets long (I have learned from reading Andy's emails). 

Sunday worship was great.  Jackson Price did a wonderful job on a song that was posted not too long ago.  It was an awesome experience hearing all those voices sing along with him. 

Andy and Alison wanted me to pass on a huge thanks for everything on Andy and Alison day and for making Andy's job easier by being so active.  They had some confusion about who the "bad cop" is, but I overheard Alison ask Andrew Brame and he said she was definitely the "bad cop" thanks for clarifying that for those of us not in youth on Sunday nights.

That brings us to youth on Sunday night.  First a huge thanks to Audrey Ferreira for providing those teens with some yummy snacks.  A lot of discussion on Control...Do we feel like God is in complete control of our lives?  Why is it hard to let go and give things to God?  I have heard the middle school and the high school youth had great discussions about wishing they had more control in their lives and that some are working towards giving more control to God.  A huge thanks to those youth that were open and honest during this discussion time and for all the youth being there. 

The second trivia question has been posted on the side bar and the first answer has been revealed.  Check it out.  Email me your screen name and join in the game (thebygblog@hotmail.com).  Since we only have two people signed up the next person that signs up might get a prize just for reading this post.  A prize for the winner of the trivia challenge will be handed out at the end of year party.  Also the contest ending at the lock in is posted on the side too.  Check it out and collect your prize at the lock in.  (Be on the lookout a new contest will be added for the month of Nov. and Dec. with the prize handed out at the progressive dinner or the Superbowl party - details to come). 

LOCK IN:  I have been told to inform you guys that great food will be there as well as a lot of fun and games and staying up late.  Put it on your calendars for Oct 29th.

Wow that was a lot of information for one post...Sorry!

~Until later

Control

This is just a reminder to come to the youth house at 6 for youth!  You will adventure into the topic of control and see what everyone else says about it.

HINT for trivia question: TACO BELL isn't the answer.

update

So far we have 1 person signed up for the trivia challenge.  Another told me that they would sign up by the end of the day.  A clue will be coming later tonight. 

The dinner at the church for the Piedmont JV Football team is at 4:00 tomorrow. 

Also if you are planning on going to JAARS please e mail Andy and let him know.

The Children's Consignment Sale will be this Saturday.  If you need community service hours, I am sure they will sign off if you help out.

There is a lot of colds and flu like bugs going around.  Say a prayer for someone that is sick and have yourself a nice big glass of orange juice!

Question #1

The first trivia question is:

Which fast food restaurants were established by Ray Kroc?

Guess by 5:50 Wednesday night and get full credit 6 points.  Tomorrow at 5:50 a hint or choices will be posted.  Guess within the next 48 hours for 5 points etc...

Email me your name and game name with your guess.  You will be notified if you are right.  Rack up as many points as you can for prizes at the end of year party.

Good Luck!

CHOICES
1. Wendy's
2. KFC
3. McDonald's
4. Taco Bell

information overload

A lot of information for you guys on this cool, cloudy Tuesday morning.  I went outside this morning before the sun was up and wished that I had a long sleeved shirt on - yes people fall is upon us.

1. Thursday night:  come on out to the church and help feed the Piedmont JV Football team before their big game.  I will try to find the time and post it, but have heard conflicting times.

2.  JAMS will be starting up for the younger kids.  If you are in need of community service for school or just want to help out with this new year of JAMS, contact Andy and let him know.  There will be plenty of ways that you can help like with crafts and music. 

3. The new e mail address for me is thebygblog@hotmail.com feel free to send comments, suggestions, announcements, and also the answer to the weekly trivia question to rack up your points.

I am sure that I am forgetting to add something but once I figure it out I will update.  Remember today is Tuesday and the first day of our trivia challenge.  Look for the trivia question and official rules later today.

~Until later

It's Monday and it is raining....

While we are still glad for the rain, I just wish it would rain while I was working and not while I am trying to walk to and from my car.  It feels like fall is really getting here with this cooler weather. 

This is a reminder that we will have regular youth this Sunday at the youth house.  I would tell you what the topic would be and give you a preview but Andy hasn't passed that information to me yet, so you will just have to come and check it out! 

Also on Saturday if you are available a group is meeting at the church at 10:00 and returning at 2:00 for a trip to JAARS. 

I know that some people went to FL for summer vacation and might return their again in the future so wanted to pass on a tip on travel to our southern state...Law states that if an elephant is left tied to a parking meter, the parking fee has to be paid just as it would for a vehicle.  So now if you are taking your pet elephant to the great state of FL don't forget to feed the parking meter!

Trivia question coming tomorrow!

Later

Confession Time...

I feel I must start this post with a confession...I lied...If you are actually reading the blog you will notice that I said I would post the rules to the contest on Saturday but it is now Sunday and I am just getting the rules posted...

Since I was slack about that I will include other info from this weekend for your reading pleasure...

CAROWINDS - The word that I am hearing is that a great time was had at Carowinds from the rides to the concert.  I heard the only downside was that it took a while to get dinner.  With the hot weather it was great that Andy had the tent so that those that went could enjoy their lunch in a little bit of shade.  It was great that Maggie and Caleb from Mountain City, TN could join in on the fun.  Would love to hear what your favorite songs were so that the lyrics can be shared with everyone!

PANTHERS - What is up with them?  The half time show was better than the actual game.  I fear that the offense has some problems that need to be fixed and that the defense is trying to over compensate for the offense and are missing the point to their jobs...they are paid to tackle and if they get a fumble or interception more power to them, but lets remember the fundamentals of the game.  I would love to go in their locker room and yell "WHAT ARE YOU THINKING" but 1. I know that I won't get in and 2. I don't think they would listen to me.

RAIN - Praise God for the rain...only problem is that all I have wanted to do all day was sleep...

Now what you have all been waiting for....

THE RULES OF THE CONTEST
1.  You have to do something nice for your parents
2.  Once you have done that kind act, your parents have to notify Andy (text, email, in person, facebook, etc) of that kind act.
3.  Once Andy has been notified by your parents, you will be notified that you have won a slot in the contest and your prize will be waiting at the lock in
4.  You may not talk about the contest to each other
5.  You may never refer to this post directly (that goes for the youth, for example, you can't say "Mom remember that contest on the blog look what I am doing." and parents you can't say "Remember the post on the blog you need to take out the trash and I might call Andy."

Your parents will be reminded in an e mail to check the blog and hopefully they will see the rules.  If not you may want to bring the blog up and highlight the rules section so they will know that the contest exists. 

Good luck to all!

Later

Exciting Saturday...

There is a really exciting day on Saturday...what is it you might ask?  1st the fun filled day or riding rides and listening to some great bands is finally here.  Andy has sent several e mails about the logistics of the trip.  If you haven't gotten his e mails please let him know (through text, email, facebook) and ask for the details so you don't get left behind at the church, lost at lunch, or stuck at Carowinds.  2nd exciting news for Saturday is that the 1st contest's rules will be posted sometime during the day.  Remember to check back for the official rules and when the contest will be over (and when prizes can be collected - there can  be more than one winner)!!  3rd exciting thing is that it is Saturday and who doesn't love a Saturday.  Okay I have posted some lyrics of a song that you might recognize since it is sung it in early worship sometimes.  Hopefully this will be a song that Casting Crowns will sing Saturday night for all going...if so you are expected to sing too since you have sung it in church and since you have just read the words.  What are some other songs that you would like to request the worship committee to sing during either church service?  Any songs from the summer trips that really stick out to you?  Any long time favorites?  If so leave a comment and share what they are.  So until Saturday's post - later!


If We Are The Body lyrics

Songwriters: Hall, Mark;


It's crowded in a worship today
As she slips in
Trying to fade into the faces
The girls' teasing laughter is carrying farther than they know
Farther than they know


But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?


And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way? There is a way?


A traveler is far away from home
He sheds his coat
And quietly sinks into the back row
The weight of their judgmental glances tell him that his chances
Are better out on the road

But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?

And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way?


But Jesus paid much too high a price
For us to pick and choose who should come
And we are the body of Christ


But if we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?


And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way?


If we are the body
Why aren't His arms reaching?
Why aren't His hands healing?
Why aren't His words teaching?


And if we are the body
Why aren't His feet going?
Why is His love not showing them
There is a way? As Jesus is the way


© MY REFUGE MUSIC; SWECS MUSIC; CLUB ZOO MUSIC;

21 years ago today...

This post is dedicated to Hurricane Hugo! 

Never again will an Atlantic storm system be named Hugo because of the extensive damage caused by the storm system. 

21 years ago today Hugo roared his ugly head and graced Charlotte and the surrounding areas with his strong winds and caused a ton of damage.  A lot of you won't remember (because you weren't here yet) but ask your parents and older family members about Hugo and what it brought.  A lot of people from the coasts of NC and SC travelled to Charlotte during hurricane evacuations because it is 200 miles inland and doesn't really get anything but some rain from these storm systems that form to our East.  Hugo caught Charlotte off guard and left most without power and with tree damage.  29 counties in NC were declared disaster areas and Hugo was declared the most damaging hurricane until Andrew hit 3 years later.

If you were here during Hugo post a memory.  If not find someone who was and post what they remember!

Randomness

Sometimes I think it would be really fun to do a lot of traveling and visit places that I have never been, but then I start thinking that I might not know the customs and laws of other places.  For example: in Newark, NJ it is illegal to sell ice cream after 6pm, unless the customer has a note from his doctor. I guess I will take sometime to learn some more laws so I don't get myself into trouble. 

How many of you have been to Buffalo Wild Wings before?  (You can put your hands down and stop saying yes to your computer now).  There is a trivia game that is really fun to play...we are going to have our own form of this trivia game.  We are working on how to get everyone a user name. 

So far the rules will be something like this:
 Tuesday a new question will be posted.  If you answer the question correctly on Tuesday you will get 5 points, Wednesday 4 points, Thursday 3 points, etc.  A running tally will be somewhere on the blog and you can track your progress.  At the end of the year party prizes will be given.  Questions will be about everything!

Hopefully next Tuesday the game will be ready.

Also keep your eyes open in the next few days for rules for a contest starting this week and will end the night of the lock in Oct. 29th.

My Soul Cries Out

What a great night at the BYG house!

We had wonderful pizza, cookies, and sodas from the McConnaughey family!  Thank you very much for feeding us!

We played big booty and were unable to dethrone Jackson (who is the self proclaimed master and reigning champ of the game).

We listened to scripture: Romans 7:17-20

We broke into smaller groups and talked about how we know what we are suppose to do but how sometimes we fall short and sometimes it is easier to give up and give into what we know we aren't suppose to do.  Sometimes it is hard to walk away from a funny joke that puts other people down or stand up for someone that is being bullied because of the fear that we might be next.  We have been challenged to look at ourselves this week and see what decisions we make and see if we are making good decisions or bad ones, and to see if that defines who we are and who we will become.  We are reminded that falling short doesn't make us bad people or bad Christians, it makes us human and makes us realize that we really do need some divine intervention to continue to make good decisions.

This Saturday will be a fun filled day riding rides and finishing the night with a concert at Carowinds!  Don't bring more than you will want to carry!

Have a great week and stay tuned later for updated posts (who knows a world famous fabulous prize might be involved later).

30 Hour Famine

Come starve with us to help feed the hungry! We're going 30 hours without food (only juice and water) to raise awareness and learn how to stop hunger in the world. 25,000 children under the age of 5 die every day due to preventable diseases such as malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and acute respiratory infections. WE CAN END THIS TREND! Here are the details:

Start your fast at noon or 6pm on Saturday, March 13

Meet at the church at 6pm

Bring a sleeping bag, bottle of your favorite juice & clothes for church

We'll spend the night at the church, playing games & learning about hunger

you can help lead worship on Sunday morning

spend Sunday afternoon at home resting

Come back to the church at 6pm for our "BREAK-FAST Meal" Together

If you donate $10 to the cause, you'll receive a 30 Hour Famine T-shirt. If you raise more than $10 by getting people to sponser your fast, there are other great prizes. Did you know you can feed a starving child for a dollar a day? Hunger should not be an issue in our world. Let's put an end to it.

SUPER Sunday

On Sunday, February 7, it's game on! First, wear your favorite football shirt to church and help us collect the SOUPer Bowl of Caring offering before and after worship. We'll be collecting money and food donations in our huge soup pots to be donated to Loaves and Fishes in Monroe.

Then, at 4:30pm, head over to the Price's house for our "Backyard Bowl." It's adults vs. kids flag football! Then we'll head inside for food, fun and commercials on TV. Everyone please bring a snack to share. This is fun for everyone, so plan on coming out and having a SUPER Sunday!