Madness
The last couple days I have been working on overcoming my fears. Anybody who knows me knows that on any given day somebody can scare me and usually does. I have this tendency to get really involved in what I am doing and then somebody (usually a staff member) thinks its hilarious to watch me jump and scream.
Wednesday night, Jeff Sareyka, Ben Jones, Kyle Short and myself jumped in the car after the last pitch and went up to Broad Street to watch the festivities (code word for mini-riots) unfold after the win. At first it was fun and then it became scary as police were called in, bottles and cans were being thrown at random people, fires, loud explosions, fights and mass chaos broke out. At that moment the joy turned to fear and we left immediately. Interesting what happens with 100,000 intoxicated fans with nothing to do.
Last night Greg Davis, Dan Mcinnes, Kyle Short, Luke Desimone, Stuart Nelson and myself went to Terror Behind the Walls at the Eastern State Penitentiary. It was said it was the #1 scary venue in the United States and people say it was the scariest place they have ever been. I had a blast with the guys and it was a fun and entertaining time. Not scary. All the hype for a fear let down. Great special effects and make-up. It took us forty minutes to get through it and it was a nice time.
I continue to try and overcome my fear. The high school students and I hit Bates Motel last weekend and now I find myself a scary environment junkie as I continue to look for that fix that will scare me. My next stop will possibly be an attempt at Jason’s Woods. So far the scariest thing for me was when my iphone battery died and I wasn’t near a charger.
Weekend Wrap-up Unleashed
- Even when obstacles come up God always works them out…great Sunday today
- Team came together well and got all “bugs” worked out
- John had fun smashing a cow bell and hopefully that will mean that the Phillies will crush tonight
- Eagles won
- Volunteers were awesome today
- The food was really good in volunteer central today
- John got to go to the Eagles game today, I am so happy for him
- Bates motel was awesome as 27 of us went…not very scary, I’m ready for Eastern State now
- Had a cool day yesterday with my boys and won them 21 little rubber dinosaurs…I’m up for dad of the year in their eyes
- John is at the Phillies game tonight…how do you score tickets to two events in one day? Incredible!
- We had 17 at high school life groups
- We played a sock game and the students attacked me…don’t ask
- I am ready for bed
- God kicked my butt this week and hopefully he will release me to share that with you next week
High School Bates Motel 08
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All-Nighter
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Wanna-B-Night
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Journey Bible Class
Starting Sunday October 26, @ 11:00am Fellowship Church will launch an Adult Bible study called Journey Bible Classes. These three to six week courses are designed to take you deeper into Gods Word. The first series will be called ”Understanding the Bible” and will be taught by Gus Sareyka, Pastor of Life Development. Attend the 9:30 service and then join us on the Journey! Journey Bibles Classes meet upstairs in the Library. Any of you are invited or if you know somebody this will be good for.
Family Trauma-Part 11
I am in a series that is taken from an article in Group magazine called, Coaching Kids Through A Family Trauma. Once again, no quotes as I am copying the article in full. My thoughts however will be in Orange.
10. To be reminded to, as Churchill urged during World War 2, “Never, Never, Never Give Up.”
This is a tough season for these kids, but it’s still only a season. Spring is on the way. Most traumas can be survived, and God never stops working to bring beauty out of ugly. Find ways to shower your kids with Scripture passages, special prayers, inspirational stories, and encouragement to help get through the rough times.
As parents we can never give up on our kids or fall into the trap of comparing with other kids. God has given us the kids he has given us and we need to do our best to raise them in a Godly manner. Godly doesn’t always mean shelter them from the world. It is crucial that students see us as messed up people who have been saved by God’s grace.
Family Trauma-part 10
I am in a series that is taken from an article in Group magazine called, Coaching Kids Through A Family Trauma.Once again, no quotes as I am copying the article in full. My thoughts however will be in Orange.
9. To do something that helps the situation.
Although your struggling teenagers can’t fix their broken “normal,” they need some pragmatic ways to be helpful. Brainstorm specific small ways they can offer support to their parents-for example, a back rub, or a surprise card, or a random act of kindness.
Little things go a long way. If your not part of the solution you are typically part of the problem. Students need to know that there are ways that they can contribute and be a part of the situation at home of course there is the other side in the case of a divorce where the student thinks if they do more they will fix the marriage. Students need to know that we love them unconditionally and that it is not about a list of things to do.
Family Trauma-part 9
I am in a series that is taken from an article in Group magazine called, Coaching Kids Through A Family Trauma.Once again, no quotes as I am copying the article in full. My thoughts however will be in Orange.
8. To have a safe haven where they can be themselves.
Your kids need support from solid, caring adults and teenagers the kind of support a close-knit youth group can provide. Researchers have discovered that kids in challenging families have much better outcomes if they have one positive adult supporting them. You can be this important person! The key is to create a confidential, accepting environment for them to find refuge. Listen well to them, empathize, and acknowledge their pain.
I have had so many teenagers share with me life issues they have and I feel honored that we have built that trust with them. I am blessed to have an incredible youth staff who come from a various life experiencesreceive. who really do care about your teens. We are careful to never tell a student that this will remain confidential but instead share with them that they need to trust us that we will do the best we can with the information that we
Family Trauma-part 8
I am in a series that is taken from an article in Group magazine called, Coaching Kids Through A Family Trauma.Once again, no quotes as I am copying the article in full. My thoughts however will be in Orange.
7. To have someone coach them to “live in the light” with their “family secret.”
Young people in traumatized families often feel embarrassed and ashamed. For example, family and friends usually bring food, send cards, and visit when someone is sick or recovering from an injury. That’s not the same for mental illness or emotional problems-kids often have to endure ignorant, hurtful comments and isolation, putting an exclamation point on their struggles. you can empower your kids by coaching them in how to relate to their friends’ unkind comments. Help them determine who is and isn’t safe to talk to about their struggles.
Many students don’t feel they have the “safeness” to talk to others about the issues they are dealing with at home or at school. In turn they hold it in and handle the best way they know how, which usually ends in someone getting hurt.
