08.14.09
A Complaint Free Life
Could you ever imagine that…a complaint-free life? Over the last couple of months, I have noticed myself slowly falling into a pattern of being a complainer. The times are tough, the economy sucks, ministry is tough, it is WAY too Hot! (It really is way too hot! LOL!) But in the midst of all this complaining, God has been doing some amazing things in my life. I have just missed them because of all my complaining. Isn’t it true that you will become what you focus on?
Over my vacation break, I came across a book entitled A Complaint Free World written by Will Bowen, a pastor in Missouri. In writing the book, Bowen was attempting to stop griping, moaning, and whining in our little corner of the world. Wow! What a concept! A little convicting to me though! Bowen’s writes that
When we complain, we are using our words to focus on things that are not as we would like. Our thoughts create our lives, and our words indicate what we are thinking. It is vital that we control our minds in order to re-create our lives.
Reminds me of one of my favorite verses:
Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Phil. 4:8
So here is how it works… You wear this bracelet on your wrist. Every time you complain, you have to move the bracelet from one wrist to the other. This gives you a visual reminder of your complaining and helps you turn your complaints to thoughts that are good. The goal is to go 21 consecutive days without complaining. Sound impossible?
Can you imagine what your life, your workplace, your ministry, your team, your family would be like if we did alot less complaining in our little corner of the world? Take the challenge with me and let’s see what happens! You can find out more information at acomplaintfreeworld.org This would also be a great idea for small group ministry!
Let me know your thoughts!
12.10.08
Non-Lame Christmas Game
Well it is that time of year when everyone is searching for a last minute game to make their Christmas Party the greatest party of the season! Here is a game that we played at our Staff Christmas Party at Central! Sarah Gant, one of Central’s kewlest staff members, made up this game! It was alot of fun and we were able to see some pretty creative ideas and raps! Here is how it is played:
Historic Rapping/Christmas Song Contest
Have your guests sit at tables as they arrive. (We actually played our game after we had our Christmas Dinner!) Each table receives a set of rules for the game and a table host is chosen. The goal of the game is to have the table come up with a Christmas Rap. The key is they are awarded points by using certain words or phrases that are common to your group or organization. Give a set amount of time for the groups to come up with their creative rap! After the time is complete, then each table has their time to shine! Kind of like a karaoke night. Have a few judges and give an old trophy away to the winning group. Here are the rules we used for our game. Adjust them accordingly to fit your organization or group.
RULES: at your table you will find a pad of paper, a pen, and this instruction sheet. With the words listed below, you and your entire table must come up with the best rap or song you can think of and you must include all of the words listed below. If you use a word or phrase more than once, your table will receive extra points. If you leave out a word or phrase listed below, then points will be deducted from your table. You and your table can have use a Christmas song, favorite rap song, or make up a tune for yourself. Have fun with it and be creative! Just remember to make sure it has a “Christmas Feel”, appropriate, and honors the history of Central (Your Organization or group). You have until the end of lunch to complete your rap or song.
Words: Central, Santa Claus, Jud, Christmas tree, Stocking, Mike, Rudolph the Reindeer, Two42, Frosty the Snowman, New Beginnings Drive, 1962, Grace City, Pursuit. (Replace words that signify the history of your group or organization.)
Example: It’s Christmas Eve; let’s go to Central! Said my family with cheer! Maybe this year they’ll show a video with Rudolph the Reindeer. Now its Christmas morning, I run downstairs and what do I see…It’s old Santa Claus with the Two42 coffee for me. I turn the corner and look under the Christmas tree. There’s a gift for me from Jud and Mike B. I open the gift and it’s a free ride in the Central van. This gift is even better than last year’s 1962 toy snowman! Here is one of the video’s from the Staff Party. It is not great quality but you may get a picture of what the game is all about!
Have fun and if you have a great NON-LAME Christmas game; please let us know in the comments box. If you use the game, take some pics or let us know how it went!
11.17.08
“Non-Lame” Holiday Party Mixer
Are you looking for a party mixer for your next Small Group Leader or Ministry Party for the Holidays? Well, the other day a small group pastor asked me for what he called ”Non-Lame” Party or People Mixers. One of my all-time favorite “Non-Lame” People Mixer is Human Bingo!
Here is how it works:
· Good for groups of 20-100 or even more
· Human Bingo is similar to regular bingo…instead of numbers given out…you have specific things that people may have done on the Bingo Card. You can play regular one line Bingo or if you have a smaller group…Play Double Bingo
· Instructions: You can change the squares up to best fit your region or party.
Human Bingo
Find people who match the blocks and have them write their first and last names in the squares.
You may only use each person once and you must fill in one line of squares to win.
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Has traveled across Hoover Dam
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Lived on the east coast |
Still has an Out of State Driver’s License |
Was born after 1970 |
Is an ONLY child |
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Moved to Las Vegas in the last 3 months
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Has been in a Small Group before
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Is or has been in the Armed Services |
Once worked at McDonald’s |
Owns a car that is seven or more years old |
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Is a cat lover |
Has three or more siblings
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Has eaten At In-N-Out Burger
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UNLV Alumnus |
Lived in Las Vegas more than 10 years |
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Loves eating sushi
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Watches The Amazing Race |
Owns a dog |
Works/ worked in a hotel casino
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Has tried to win Megabucks |
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Has been baptized |
Lives in Seven Hills, So. Highlands or |
Grew up in California |
Has ridden in a Hot Air Balloon
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Has attended traffic school |
Let me know how it goes and if you have any other ideas for “Non-Lame” Mixers, please let us know! Have fun!
11.15.08
Top Ten Worst Ways to Start a Discussion
How many times have you ever stuck your foot in your mouth? Several times, I have said something that I wish I could take back! As you grow closer to your Small Group or Small Group Leaders, you get to know people pretty well! Use this Top Ten Worst Ways to Start a Discussion and see how many times you, your leaders or your members have said one or more of these Discussion Starters! Have fun and take time to laugh at some of the funny things we say to each other!
1. “I know you didn’t ask for my opinion, but…” Here comes their opinion!
2. “Nothing against our pastor or our church but…” Oh, yeah… they have something against both of them…
3. “I don’t mean to be nosey but…” Well, keep your nose in your own business then!
4. “When is the baby due?” This is just for guys…She already had the baby two weeks ago!!!
5. “Can I tell you something and you won’t get mad?” They just got mad!
6. “I overheard your conversation. Can I just say …” No, I wasn’t talking to you.
7. “Don’t take this the wrong way…” I just did!
8. “You would have to be an idiot if you voted for…” Try this one at your next Small Group! Just Kidding!
9. “I was trying to wait for the right time to tell you this.” Keep waiting!
10. “I am not gossiping…I just need you to pray for…” You know it’s going to be some really good gossip!
What are some other things that you or your Small Group may have said that wasn’t listed? Remember, keep it fun!
11.13.08
Five Discussion Starters for Small Groups
Well, some of your Small Groups have been meeting now for a few months and some of the leaders come to you with a common problem…they just can’t seem to get past the superficial “Hi! How are you doing?” The answer back is always…”Great!” (Silence…) So what advice will you give them? How can a Small Group Leader take their Small Group to the next level of conversation and discussion? Here are a few creative discussion starters that will help leaders get to know their members a little bit better and have some fun doing it!
· You are stuck on a deserted Island, and you can only take 3 things. What would they be?
· You can only eat 5 different foods for the rest of your life, what are they?
· You can only listen to 3 CD’s for the rest of your life, what are they?
· You are stuck in a cabin for 2 years, what 5 movies would you take with you?
· If you could pick anyone, which three people would you invite to your dinner party?
These discussion starters can be used to help your leaders find common ground with the people who are in their Small Group! I would love to hear what some of the most creative answers are and I would also like to know if you have any to add? Leave a comment and let us know how it goes! Have fun!
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