SUPER BOWL & LOCK IN

YOU'RE INVITED:

WHAT? Super Bowl Partay

WHERE? Aaron Bischoff's house

WHEN? Sunday, Feb. 1st 5:30-??

COST? $6 for pizza and snacks

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Also, we're having a lock in on Saturday night, February 20th from 8pm - 7 am the next morning...you're NOT going to want to miss it!!!

Wisdom

Over the weekend the small groups had the task of coming up with an ad campaign that encouraged students to act wisely...it was very interesting to say the least:)

The creativity soared as students presented the campaigns and voted on their favorites....the winner being, by a landslide, the girls group with their slogan, "Wisdom...so easy Mick can get it!"

In second place was the junior high guys group with, "Don't get wizzed on...get wisdom!" Nice...

Pretty clever:)

Anyway, don't forget that this week's Bible study will be held tomorrow night (Wednesday) at 6:45 at Westshore Pizza which is at the corner of McMullen Booth and Enterprise behind Blockbuster. Bring some cash for pizza and bring your Bibles!

Lock In?!?!?!

The Winter Retreat has been cancelled. Sad news but true. Unfortunately with the economy the way it is many families are struggling to make ends meet right now so going through with a Winter Retreat, we decided, was not a great idea.

Instead....drum roll please.....

We're going to be having a lock-in (I'm sorry volunteers - I have no choice) instead...

Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

*Student Action Team meets again on Tuesday, January 27th from 5:30-7:30 in Studio 4:12*

Take a Chance

Hey all!

Happy new year to you and yours:) It was a nice relaxing holiday for us but I'm glad things are getting back to "normal" this week. I had no idea I'd miss you guys as much as I did!!

So last night we kicked off our series on "Chances" based out of the book of Proverbs. This is a series that compliments what Cypress Meadows is doing on Sunday mornings and has already proven to be a God thing.

Last night we talked about looking at our hearts like a stadium. Ever seat in our heart has something sitting in it. For some of us we've got ego or insecurities. For others we've got pride. For most of us our family takes up some seats, friends, jobs, work, sports, college prep, and so on. But our scripture found in Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us that in ALL those areas we need to be acknowledging Christ. Which means, he should be the one sitting in each seat of our hearts and we should live our lives out of our love for Him first.

Does this mean that I wake up every morning and Jesus is sitting in every seat in the stadium of my heart? No. But as I make an effort to further my relationship with Christ I can look the ego, or insecurity or fear in the eye and say confidently, "Move, that seat is reserved for my Creator. You don't belong here anymore."

We closed last night with a challenge. Throughout this series in Proverbs we're going to be talking about taking the chances and opportunities God gives us and nudges us towards seriously and without hesitation but all of us have to take a step forward to make that happen. The question is, "What is that step for you?"

I was so amped about the line that formed after the close of our gathering last night. A lot of you were thinking hard about what your next step might be and you wanted confirmation or direction and help to make that happen. WAY TO GO! Keep seeking it out and God promises to lead you to it!!

If you didn't come up with a next step, don't worry. You will. Listen to God's nudging and remember our scripture (this version is from the Message translation which is pretty cool):

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track."

I love you guys and CAN'T WAIT to see what God will do in 2009!!

Computer Crash

Hey all! A few days ago my laptop crashed. While its at the computer hospital I'm going to need a huge favor from you...well its not really huge. Its pretty small actually. I'm going to need you to email me at hightide@cypressmeadows.org so I have your contact information. Just make sure you put your name in the subject line or somewhere in the email. Thanks!

This way you won't miss out on any important information over the next couple of weeks!!

PS Winter Retreat is around the corner. We're camping in Ocala and the total cost of the trip is $140. I need the money in my hand by Friday, January 9th!! Save that Christmas cash:)

Jan

Glen Oaks Pictures

Glen Oaks Trip

Thank you THANK YOU to BP, Courtney, Kelly, Layton, Sarah, Jessica, Zach, and Gerry who graciously and selflessly donated their Tuesday night to visit the residents at Glen Oaks nursing home.

I have to say that I was a bit concerned going in for a couple of reasons...

1. By 5:00 pm I hadn't heard from one single person that was going so I thought it was just going to be me!
2. After we left at 6:10 it took us until 7:00 to find Glen Oaks because Google maps STINK and didn't get us where we needed to go.
3. When we finally got there and I caught up with Kelly's group they were so nervous about going I thought they were gonna bolt!

However, I was so overwhelmed with pride when we got to the dining room and the students took ownership of the event and got in there and spread a whole lot of grace to the residents that had been so looking forward to visitors!

Thank you guys! You are the reason I love my job:) Way to go!! You've made a difference in someones life!

PS I'll post your fantastic pics later tonight;)