Friday - WHERE IS THAT IN NE?

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #1: The real Avatar at Youth Camp 1

1). Song of the Day: ♫ Aaron Gillespie - We were made for You ♫

2). Blog Entry: Where is that in NE?

- Congratulations to LARISSA for being the correct comment chosen at random as our winner from Tuesday's Trivia. She is now up to $14 in prize earnings - way to go!

- Today's trivia: A new winter storm is moving through Nebraska this last day of 2010. It is especially dangerous in Keith County. Can you name the capital city of Keith county?

3). Ministry of the Day: Snow and Ice - an article from the National Children's Ministry Agency of the Assemblies of God.

4). Link of the Day: Seasonal Food Chart - Which foods are most ripe at which times of the year?

5). Quote of the Day: 'The way to put Jesus first is to be last with Him' -Gary Hoyt

6). Miscellaneous: Today is the last day of 2010! It is also the day that President Truman officially announced the end of World War II in 1946. Finally, it is the author Nicholas Spark's Birthday, born in Omaha in 1965.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #2: An image of pure worship at Youth Camp

Thursday - Testimonies

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #3: The true art of the Vuvuzela

1). Song of the Day: ♫ Daniel Doss Band - I Need You ♫

2). Blog Entry: Testimonies

- I heard a great report from Jay, a pastor in Omaha at New Creation Community Church. He challenged his young and growing church to a goal of $10,000 of missions giving for 2010. His church responded and through much sacrifice, they met their goal. Just before they did so, he received the announcement that his church was drawn at random to win a free month of billboard advertising at the location of their choice. A couple weeks later, they received news that a company purchased their unused website domain for $7,500, the same amount budgeted towards an increase in church staff for next year. Finally, they also received almost $1,500 in stock returns this month as well. God truly blessed them for their sacrifice and devotion to missions.

3). Ministry of the Day: NE Fine Arts Festival - On March 25,26th at Christ's Place Church in Lincoln, NE, students from all over the state will showcase their gifts and ministry skills in a fun, competitive way.

4). Link of the Day: Poll Everywhere - A great online tool for hosting live text polls during group meetings and events

5). Quote of the Day: 'Differences of opinion among advisors helped clarify tough decisions' -George W. Bush (Decision Points)

6). Miscellaneous: Did you know that December is Spiritual Literacy Month? Time to study up on your Bible knowledge (Tuesday Bible Trivia's every week on this blog!) Today is the day that the USSR was formed in 1922. Also, Israel and the Vatican established diplomatic relations in 1993. Finally, it is Matt Lauer's Birthday from 1957, as well as Tiger Woods from 1975.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #4: NYM Scholarship Recipients at Youth Camp

Wednesday - Leaders Corner

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #5: The finish line for our border to border Missions Bike Ride

1). Song of the Day: Since ♫ October - Life of Mine ♫

2). Blog Entry - Leaders Corner

- Today is our last installment of the ways to 'stay in the game', taken from an interview our National Youth Office hosted with some key veteran youth leaders across the nation

25. Communicate with your senior pastor and associates

26. Think long term in your planning

27. Leaving? - set a time and honor your commitment

28. Grow good leaders to lead after you have moved on

3). Ministry of the Day: Transitions - Equipping the church to empower their students as they transition from high school to the next phase of their lives.

4). Link of the Day: Live Mocha - learn a new language online in the comfort of your own home

5). Quote of the Day: 'Faith is related to miracles; hope is related to morale' -Alton Garrison

6). Miscellaneous: Today is Steve Hahn's Birthday (Pastor in Alliance), a distinction he shares with the actors Jude Law, Jon Voight, and Ted Danson, as well as President Andrew Johnson from 1808. It's also the day that Texas became a state in 1845, and the first YMCA appeared in Boston in 1851.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #6: Youth Camp Photos, the first day of camp

Tuesday - Bible Trivia

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #7: NE Youth Committee 2010-2011

1). Song of the Day: ♫ Mary Mary - Walking ♫

2). Blog Entry: Bible Trivia

- Unfortunately, we didn't have any winners from Friday's trivia last week. It was Christmas Eve, a good excuse. Trivia for today: Who led the Israelites into Canaan?

A. Moses

B. Caleb

C. Dwight

D. Joshua

3). Ministry of the Day: Godlimations - a website which shares the good news of Christ through animation

4). Link of the Day: Uplaya - a website where you can upload your own music and see if it's a hit!

5). Quote of the Day: 'Too often, we are microwave Christians with a crock-pot God' -Alton Garrison

6). Miscellaneous: Today is Woodrow Wilson's Birthday (28th US President) as well as the actor Denzel Washington and Shane Moore (youth pastor in York). It is also National Chocolate Day. Finally, it is the day that Iowa became a state in 1846 (Go Hawkeyes! in a bowl game tonight)

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #8: Students seeking after God at Youth Camp

Monday - Life Lessons

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #9: The century riders from Day 3 of our Missions Bike Ride - 100 miles in one day

1). Song of the Day: GLO - ♫ Who is like God ♫

2). Blog Entry: Life Lessons

- I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday this past weekend. We enjoyed being with all of our family back in the Omaha area. My son Ryan had been praying a few weeks for a white Christmas. Sure enough, God answered both of our prayers. It snowed Thursday and covered the ground in snow, but it was only a couple of inches, so it wasn't too bad in terms of travel and moving around. Throughout the day on Christmas, a light snow kept falling throughout the day, just another picture perfect moment for our family. God cares about our lives, and He still answers prayers.

3). Ministry of the Day: International Society of Missionaries Kids - a great place for MK's to interact and receive encouragement and support

4). Link of the Day: Penzu - an online private journal

5). Quote of the Day: 'Only you can shepherd you own flock, your own family' -Doug Fields

6). Miscellaneous: Today is a great day! First, there are a host of great birthdays - Albert Lautenschlager (NESOM student), Caleb Wampler (former BCC student and NCU grad), Dale Hill (minister in Fairbury), and Nathan Clark (NCU student, NYM scholarship recipient 2010). It's also National Write a Business Plan Month. Finally, it is the day that President Bush granted China normal trade status with the USA, and St. Stephen's Day in the Eastern Church, honoring the first martyr of Christianity.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #10: The Current leading worship at Eastern Youth Convention

Friday - WHERE IS THAT IN NE?

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #15: Leah Poe, Fine Arts champ, National Bible Challenge Award Winner - Nebraska's First National Champ in years!

1). Song of the Day: Great worship for today - Ricardo Sanchez - ♫ For Who You Are ♫

2). Blog Entry: Where is that in NE?

- Congratulations to both ARG and LARISSA for being the correct comments chosen as our winners from Tuesday's Trivia. In the season of giving, you both win. ARG is now up to $6 in prize earnings, and LARISSA is at a whopping $12 - way to go

- Trivia for the day: We have an awesome new pastor in NE that I've been interacting with this past week. Can you guess which city REX ADAMS now pastors in?

A. Lexington

B. McCook

C. Mullen

D. Wayne

E. Falls City

3. Ministry of the Day: Convoy of Hope Earrings - purchase these earrings, and sponsor a month of healthy lunches for a needy child abroad.

4. Link of the Day: Is it normal? - Submit your story today and find out what others think...

5). Quote of the Day: 'It is never too late to be what you might have been' - George Elliot

6). Miscellaneous: Today is that day that 'Silent Night' was originally composed in 1818. It's also Ryan Seacrest's bday, from 1974, and Howard Hughes from 1905. Finally, Merry Christmas - have a great weekend!

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #16: Energetic Worship Sets at Youth camp

Thursday - Testimonies

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #17: As we worship God, He shines down upon us at convention

1). Song of the Day: Francesca Battistelli - ♫ This is the Stuff ♫

2). Blog Entry: Testimonies

- Here's a testimony from one of our campus missionaries, posted on our website:' Wow! Its crazy how fast this school year is going so fast! I have learned alot about being a CM. More about the relationship with Jesus Christ your self to help someone else. I have learned that you dont want to stand there and force Jesus down their throats. You should rather talk to someone who seems lonely, lost, etc. One smile could change everything about that persons thoughts, actions. Something sooo small but something so meaning. To start off with something small is just the begining I can't wait to see what happens!! :-) '

- For more CM Testimonies, visit our page here (bottom left of page)

3). Ministry of the Day: AIM 2011 Missions Trip to Ireland - Bruce Riddle is leading a team next summer. Be a part of 'The Never Been Done Before' Tour.

4). Link of the Day: KnoWord - Knoword is a game of quick thinking, smart decisions and great words.

5). Quote of the Day: 'Live a life worthy of imitation' (Doug Fields)

6). Miscellaneous: Today is the 'made up' holiday known as Festivus. It is also the day that a 70 mile per hour speed limit was first introduced, in Britain in 1965.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #18: Mother and Daughter bonding at Youth Camp

Wednesday - Leaders Corner

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #19: AIM Missions Team in Derry, Ireland

1). Song of the Day: Matt Brouwer - ♫ Better Days ♫

2). Blog Entry - Leaders Corner

- We have been posting different strategies from veteran leaders on how to 'stay in the game' and make it long term in youth ministry. These are from an interview our National AG Office hosted, of which our own Bruce Riddle was able to a part! Here are 6 more:

19. Read a lot - keep learning

20. Be friends with your DYD - I'd love that!

21. Plug into good leadership resources

22. Attend Youth Workers Conferences

23. Respect Your Pastor - be loyal to the leader God has placed you under

24. Be teachable and humble - a great combination

3). Ministry of the Day: PK Network - an online network for pastors kids in Assemblies of God churches nationwide

4). Link of the Day: Foound - A fun and easy online way to organize hangouts with friends and follow their activities

5). Quote of the Day: 'First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then, you win' - Ghandi

6). Miscellaneous: Today is a reminder that December is also National Tomato Month. I guess the red and green colors helped in that selection. It is the day that our Naval fleet was first organized in 1775. And it is also Diane Sawyer's Birthday, from 1945.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #20: Praying together at the altar during Youth Camp

Tuesday - Bible Trivia

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #21: Youth Pastors dancing during the talent show at Youth Camp 1

1). Song of the Day: Chariot - ♫ David De La Hoz ♫

2). Blog Entry: Bible Trivia

- Congratulations to LARISSA for being the correct comment chosen at random as our winner from Friday's Trivia. She is now up to $10 in prize earnings, and she also is on a roll, winning the last few trivia challenges - way to go!

- Today's trivia - Did Mary visit Elizabeth before Jesus was born, or after it?

3). Ministry of the Day: New Year's Eve All-Nighter - Holy Grounds Youth Ministries put together this video to promote their end of the year event

4). Link of the Day: Thought Boxes - A simple online tool that helps to organize your thoughts so you can make things happen

5). Quote of the Day: 'Leadership is primarily by example' - Doug Fields

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Humbug Day, and National Crossword Puzzle Day. It is also the day that the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock in Massachusettes in 1620. It's also when SNOW WHITE first hit the theaters in 1937. Finally, it is Ray Romano's Birthday (1957) as well as Joseph Stalin (1879).

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #22: The 4 Mission Bike Riders that rode every mile from South Dakota to Kansas

Monday - Life Lessons

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #23: Great shot of worship from Youth Camp

1). Song of the Day: Shana Strange - ♫ Emmanuel Has Come ♫

2). Blog Entry: Life Lessons

- Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending my mother's church in downtown Bellevue, New Beginnings. Pastor Rory and Char Cobbs do such a great job leading a great body of believers in that part of Omaha. They had their traditional Christmas play, led by Debbie Emerson. It was all about how Bethlehem, a seemingly normal small town in Israel, became such an important place because of Jesus' birth. We might have never heard of Bethlehem if it hadn't been for Jesus. The same could be said of us, and anyone in ministry that has achieved anything of significance - without Jesus, we would be nothing! Thank God for Jesus - his birth paved the way for our lives today!

3). Ministry of the Day: Inflate-a-sets - a website where you can purchase and design your own inflatable set for children or preteens.

4). Link of the Day: Vuvox - a photo slideshow website. This link is to our slideshow of the Top 100 Photos of the Year. We have also posted a slideshow video from Animoto on the top right of our blog from the Photos of the Year as well.

5). Quote of the Day: 'The reason some of our ministries stop growing is because we have' (Jeffery Portmann, DYD of Washington and Northern Idaho)

6). Miscellaneous: Today is my brother Corey's Birthday! It is also a reminder that December is National Watermelon Month (didn't see that coming). It is also the day that the US completed the Louisiana Purchase, which acquired all the land that is Nebraska today.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #24: Shane Moore (youth pastor in York), aka Mr. Incredible, at Youth Camp

Friday - WHERE IS THAT IN NE?

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #29: Worshipping at the altar during camp

1). Song of the Day: Carrie Underwood - ♫ What Child is This ♫

2). Blog Entry: Where is that in NE?

- Congratulations to LARISSA for being the correct comment chosen at random as our winner from Tuesday's Trivia. She is now up to $8 in prize earnings - way to go!

- Trivia for today: There is a popular song that we've heard around town the last few weeks - 'Christmas in Nebraska'. Can you name the group that sings it?

3). Ministry of the Day: Royal Rangers - a powerful discipleship program for young boys and teenagers

4). Link of the Day: Travel Math - a website devoted to helping you get to your destination on time!

5). Quote of the Day: 'The moment you think you've become an expert, you're already behind.' Jeffery Portmann

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Underdog Day, a day made for me! It's also the day that the modern day airplane first went airborn in North Carolina in 1903. Finally, it's a couple of great people's birthdays: Leroy Wyre (senior pastor in Scottsbluff), and Janell Gordon (youth leader in Friend).

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #30: The Ritter Songwriting Champs from Fine Arts

Thursday - Testimonies

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #31: Danielle, our percussion solo NE Fine Arts champion, jamming at camp

1). Song of the Day: ♫ Infant Holy, Infant Lowly ♫

2). Blog Entry: Testimonies

- This has been an incredible year for Nebraska Youth Ministries and our giving to missions. Our STL total is very strong and we were able to purchase vehicles for several missionaries and vital equipment for local Nebraska Church Plants, like The Market Church with Greg Wallace in downtown Omaha. Our BGMC total is currently at what it was for the entire year last year, and many churches have yet to give their year end offerings. We are on pace to set a new record for Nebraska in BGMC, and surpass last years STL total as well. Praise the Lord for people and churches that still prioritize missions, even in difficult financial times.

3). Ministry of the Day: NE District Blog - The online location to view all of the Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010

4). Link of the Day: Google Nativity - A Digital Research of the Birth of Jesus, the reason for the season!

5). Quote of the Day: 'Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!' - Dr. Seuss

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day. Now that's a holiday! It's also the day that 350 chests of tea were dumped in Boston Harbor to protest taxation without representation, in 1773. Finally, it's also Beethoven's Birthday, from 1770.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #32: The group from Columbus praying together at the end of Youth Camp

Wednesday - Leaders Corner

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #33: Worship at Western Youth Convention

1). Song of the Day: Check out this free download I picked up yesterday on I-tunes - Toby Mac - ♫ Christmas This Year ♫

2). Blog Entry: Leaders Corner

- We've been posting highlights from an interview our National AG Office conducted with a few veteran youth pastors (including our own Bruce Riddle from Lincoln). The topic was how to make it long term as a youth pastor, or rather, 'how to stay in the game'. Here's another 6 points to consider:

13. Keep Your Promises - be a person of your word

14. Love the kids more than you love yourself - don't just do things a certain way for your own preferences

15. Show your family they are a priority

16. Make sure to take a 'Sabbath' day off

17. Pray your guts out

18. Seek out mentoring opportunities - great aspect of connecting in the district

3). Ministry of the Day: Jonathan Wright Ministries - A traveling evangelist from Kansas

4). Link of the Day: Rizwan Scholars - Build our nation by facilitating quality education in young scholars achieving excellence in academics

5). Quote of the Day: 'One filled with joy preaches without preaching' -Mother Teresa

6). Miscellaneous: Today is Mike Donahue's Birthday (former youth pastor at BCC and current motivational speaker) and Paula Oberbeck's Bday as well (pastors wife at Grand Island Northridge). This is a distinction they share with the Roman Emperor Nero, from 37 AD. It is also National Bill of Rights Day. Finally, it is also the day that the movie 'Gone with the Wind' premiered in 1939.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #34: Honoring our Students of the Year at Conventions

Tuesday - Bible Trivia

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #35: Altar Time at the 7 Project Night Rally

1). Song of the Day: Red - ♫ Feed the Machine ♫

2). Blog Entry: Bible Trivia

- Congratulations to LARISSA for being the correct comment chosen at random as our winner from Friday's Trivia. She is now up to $6 in prize earnings - way to go!

- What was the name of the first city that Jesus moved to as a young boy?

3). Ministry of the Day: STL Testimony - A great testimony about an ironman competition for STL on the National AG website

4). Link of the Day: Vuvuzela - Time Magazine posted 'VUVUZELA' as the official #1 buzz word of 2010!

5). Quote of the Day: 'Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power' -Abraham Lincoln

6). Miscellaneous: Today is a reminder that December is National Tie Month. It is also the day that Cuba finally declared Christmas a National Holiday in 1997. Today is Mike Durre's Birthday (Senior Pastor in O'Neill), as well as Paul Thun's Birthday (CE Director in Norfolk), a distinction they share with Nostradamus from 1503.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #36: Police Escort into York on the Missions Bike Ride after our Century Ride

Monday - Life Lessons

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #37: Interlocking fingers while holding hands and praying at Youth Camp

1). Song of the Day: ♫ I will - Jh413 ♫

2). Blog Entry: Life Lessons

- Last night, my wife left to run a few errands around 6:30pm. Throughout the late afternoon the power had consistently flickered off and on for quick mini-seconds. We thought that maybe it was a surge because of a faulty oven in our house. But, at 6:45pm, the power went off, and stayed off. The kids quickly grabbed their handheld gaming devices and we all gathered in the living room. I lit a few candles, sat there and waited - and waited - and waited some more. I thought about reading, but didn't have enough light. All I could do was sit there and wait, and then suddenly, I fell asleep.

I'm not one for taking naps, but I actually took a quick one last night in the dark. I never would have done that before but put in that position, it wasn't so hard. Sometimes, we never stop to rest and take time to relax. The lights came on again at 7:45 (right before my wife came home after missing the entire ordeal). It was only one hour later - but it felt like 5 hours. Looking back, it wasn't such a bad thing. Maybe I need the lights to go off every once in a while so I can get some rest. Or, maybe I need to turn them off once in a while anyway.

3). Ministry of the Day: Firepack 71:18 - The new potential pack distributed to campus missionaries nationwide.

4). Link of the Day: Eventbrite - A online website for planning and promoting large community events and gatherings

5). Quote of the Day: 'I am a slow walker, but I never walk backwards' Abraham Lincoln

6). Miscellaneous: Today is a reminder that December is our National Drunk Driving Prevention Month. It is also Joe Marino's Birthday (Youth for Christ director out of Hastings), Josh Olson's Birthday (former BMC graduate and pastor in Omaha), as well as Dick van Dykes Birthday from 1925 and our own coach Bo Pelini. Today is also the day that the National Guard was established in 1636, and the day that George W. Bush finally won the 2000 Presidential Election.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #38: Jay, overseeing the midday Blitz at Youth Camp

Friday - WHERE IS THAT IN NE?

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #43: Mitch, from Lincoln, looking like a rock star at Fine Arts

1). Song of the Day: ♫ Hope is Born this Night - Sidewalk Prophets ♫

2). Blog Entry: Where is that in NE? trivia

- Congratulations to LARISSA for being the correct comment chosen at random as our winner from Tuesday's trivia. She is now up to $4 in prize earnings - way to go!

- Today's Trivia - Tonight is our Nebraska District Council Office Christmas party, and all of the department heads are invited to attend as well. One of our department heads is Mark Rose, a senior pastor overseeing world missions. Can you name what city he is from?

A. South Sioux City

B. North Platte

C. O'Neill

D. Norfolk

3). Ministry of the Day: Focus One Worship - Focus One (formerly Rockford Masters Commission) has a dynamic worship band. Check them out here.

4). Link of the Day: Slidefinder - a search engine for powerpoint/keynote slides to enhance your presentations

5). Quote of the Day: 'A good and wholesome thing is a little harmless fun in this world; it tones a body up and keeps him human and prevents him from souring' - Mark Twain

6). Miscellaneous: Today is World Human Right's Day and Nobel Prize Day. It is also Bryson Corey's Bday (NYM Rentals Owner), a distinction he shares with Jenny French (youth pastor of Trinity Lutheran in Columbus) and Joe Blanton (MLB pitcher). Finally, it is the day in 1520 that Martin Luther publicly burned the papal edict, paving the way for the modern church movement we enjoy today.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #44: Andrew Cummings, camp speaker, excited that the Huskers were joining the Big 10

Thursday - Testimonies

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #45: Jay Warriner, speaking to students at Exeter-Milligan during a 7 Project School Assembly

1). Song of the Day: Third Day - ♫ Do you see what I see ♫

2). Blog Entry: Testimonies

- Last night, I had the privilege of speaking with ECHO youth ministries at Abundant Life Christian Center in Grand Island. Jay and Emily Warriner are doing a great job as the youth pastors there. One girl came forward and received Jesus as her Savior at the end of the night!

- Last Friday, we had a great meeting with leaders who are organizing a new Chi Alpha at UNO in Omaha. After the meeting, we went to a campus wide Worship Night at UNL with Michael King and our Chi Alpha there. At the end of the night, about 5 people came forward and received Jesus as their Savior.

3). Ministry of the Day: SkyHook - An up and coming band with Dane Allen, son of the DYD from Tennessee, Terry Allen.

4). Link of the Day: Mac Billing - Easily add new clients, monitor time spent on projects, track payments, perform tax calculations and generate detailed reports.

5). Quote of the Day: 'You may not like yourself, but God still loves you' Mark Oberbeck, pastor of Grand Island Northridge Church

6). Miscellaneous: Today is a reminder that December is World Aids Month. Let's take some time to pray for those around us struggling with this disease today. It's also the day that the first women's pro basketball game was played in 1978. Finally, it's Donny Osmond's Bday, from 1957.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #46: Praying for our faces at Fine Arts last Spring

Wednesday - Leaders Corner

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #47: Vicious Avatars invade Youth Camp 1

1). Song of the Day: Phil Wickham - ♫ Christmastime ♫

2). Blog Entry - Leaders Corner

Last week, we displayed 6 suggestions from a panel of veteran youth leaders (of which our own Bruce Riddle was involved) who were asked for strategies for long term ministry to youth, or rather, 'How to stay in the game'. Here's 6 more:

- Plan the service by looking at it through the eyes of a student

- Get to know your students well, before making major changes

- Choose your battles

- Build trust through relationships with key people in the church

- Know when to be the coach, and when to be the companion

- Dream big, but don't be too idealistic

3) Ministry of the Day: Convoy of Hope - A powerful Assemblies of God ministry with goals to provide help and hope to people in need in the United States and around the world through children’s feeding initiatives, community outreaches, disaster response and partner resourcing.

4). Link of the Day: FindtheBest - A website which looks for the best options on purchases you'd like to make.

5). Quote of the Day: What is the story of your life going to be, tomorrow? — Michael King

6). Miscellaneous: Today is Derik Buescher's Bday (NE Chi Alpha Missionary to the University of Wyoming). It is also the day that President Reagan signed a treaty with Russian President Gorbachev to destroy their arsenals of intermediate-range nuclear missiles, in 1987. Finally, it is a reminder that this week is National Handwashing Awareness Week, a great way to fight off sickness.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #48: 7 Project Sumo Wrestling with Shane Moore

Tuesday - Bible Trivia

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #49: NINJA tournament at Youth Camp

1). Song of the Day: ♫ Where's the line to see Jesus ♫

2). Blog Entry:

- Congratulations to KEVIN LIBBY for being the correct comment chosen at random as our winner from Friday's Trivia. He is now up to $8 in prize earnings - way to go!

- Bible Trivia - Which gospels contain the story of Jesus' birth?

3). Ministry of the Day: Benjamin Shafer - Many in Nebraska will remember this incredible musician and worship leader from past camps and conventions. He is back in Nebraska and has a new Christmas album on Itunes 'UNTO US'

4). Link of the Day: Meetzi - Meetzi is an online, in-meeting management tool that helps make your meetings more focused, actionable, and on time.

5). Quote of the Day: The greatest fault is to be conscious of none — Thomas Carlyle

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Cotton Candy Day. It is also the day that Pearl Harbor was attacked in World War II in 1941. And for fans of the Celtics, it's the great Larry Bird's birthday, from 1956.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #50: Worship at the Altar during Western Youth Convention

Monday - Life Lessons

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #51: Football at Youth Camp

1). Song of the Day: ♫A perfect voice♫ - Classic Crime

2). Blog Entry:

Is forgetting a genetic trait? This past week, I was rushing with my kids to get out of the house and get them to school on time. The first three months of the school year, the kids would walk to school, being only about a block away. But now that the weather's changing, they need a ride and I have to adjust my morning schedule a little bit.

I yelled out for everyone to get to the car so we wouldn't be late. Quickly getting to the car, I suddenly realized I had forgotten my cell phone inside. I ran back inside and grabbed it, then back to the van. We pulled out of the garage, and my wife came out holding Abby's lunchbox which she had forgotten. As I pulled back in to retrieve it, Eric opened the door, saying he forgot his violin. I looked to Ryan to apologize to him for making him late, when he jumped out of the van, realizing he had forgotten his backpack too.

Wow.

I think we'll set the alarm clock about 5 minutes earlier throughout the winter. Better to be prepared than to be late.

3). Ministry of the Day: Mission of God Ministries - Mike Holt is a dynamic evangelist, highly recommended by other DYD's, and someone we hope to bring into Nebraska in the near future.

4). Link of the Day: Rescue Lights - This is a band from Arizona, highly recommended by Jesse Norman, youth pastor of Omaha Glad Tidings.

5). Quote of the Day: The national anthem of hell is, 'I Did It My Way' — Peter Kreeft

6). Miscellaneous: Today is the day that the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery once and for all, in 1865. Today is also St. Nicholas Day, the man whose life was used as the pattern for the legend of Santa Claus because of his secret gift giving.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #52: David, showing his stealth strategy in Dodge Ball

Friday - Where is that in NE?

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #57: The mud slide at Youth Camp 2

1). Song of the Day: ♫ Carol of the Bells ♫

2). Blog Entry:

Congratulations to KEVIN LIBBY for being the correct comment chosen at random as our winner from Tuesday's Trivia. He is now up to $6 in prize earnings - way to go! And in the spirit of giving, we're awarding ARG for participating as well. ARG is now up to $4 in prize earnings too. This might be a very generous month of points for all involved...

WHERE IS THAT IN NE? - Today, I'm meeting with a wonderful new youth pastor from Eastern Nebraska - Brent Davidson. Can you name what church he serves at?

A. Beatrice

B. West Point

C. Papillion Southridge

D. Omaha Pacific Springs

E. Fremont

3). Ministry of the Day: Threads Bible Studies - Video based Bible studies for small groups and Sunday School classes.

4). Link of the Day: Wikia - Create a wiki about your favorite topic and begin collaborating with people who love what you love.

5). Quote of the Day: God loves us the way that we are, but too much to leave us that way - Leighton Ford

6). Miscellaneous: Today is a reminder that this week is National Cookie Cutter Week. It is also Jeff Little's Birthday - camp speaker from a few years ago - a distinction he shares with Ozzy Osbourne in 1948, and with Illinois, admitted as the 21st state in our country in 1818. Finally, tonight is a night of worship with the UNL Chi Alpha at the Union Ballroom on campus at 7pm.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #58: Sumo Champion from Eastern Youth Convention

Thursday - Testimonies

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #59 - NE Champion Large Group Human Video from Fine Arts

1). Song of the Day: Braille - Resurrect Me

2). Blog Entry: Brian Korell gave me this 7 Project testimony from a youth pastor in Texas:

- The school assembly was great. The kids were excited and pretty captivated. At the 7@Night Festival, we work with churches and get to present the gospel. There was great participation from the Baptist, Methodist, and Church of Christ churches (3 of the 4 churches in town). When Todd gave the altar call, hands went up immediately. It was breathtaking (as always). The teachers and superintendent were amazed and pretty shocked. 72 students accepted Christ as Savior! There were many tears as they gave th

eir hearts to Christ and asked Him to forgive their sins and change their lives. When everyone who responded went to meet with someone for prayer and to receive a Book of Hope, the seats were totally empty. One person who joined in was the maintenance man. After prayer, he told the superintendent he wanted to come talk to him more the next day. He was excited! One girl I prayed with actually came back because everyone else did, but is actually a strong believer. She has been the ONLY ONE who has really lived for God. It was awesome to get to talk to her and she's going to be a Campus Missionary now. I had shared my story of standing alone a lot in high school and what God did in my life. She totally related. It was a beautiful bonding and encouraging time.

3). Ministry of the Day: Mars Hill Sermons - Another powerful church with many campuses in Washington and New Mexico.

4). Link of the Day: Omaha #3 - a financial blog ranked Omaha as the 3rd best city for people to relocate to if they are looking for a new job.

5). Quote of the Day: 'The day they (Florida Marlins) let me go was the worst day of my career but what I didn't realize was that it would also turn out to be the best day of my career.' (Cody Ross, San Francisco Giants)

6). Miscellaneous: Today is National Special Education Day. It is also the day that Gillette patented the first disposable razor in 1901.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #60 - Jay and Andrew dancing during late night at Camp

Wednesday - Leaders Corner

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #61 - Free time basketball at Youth Camp

1). Song of the Day: Jesus Culture - ♫ You are My Passion ♫

2). Blog Entry:

In an interview with key veteran youth leaders from the Assemblies of God, the National Youth Office put together a list of 28 things to do to 'stay in the game' of youth ministry. Here's 6 of them to start the month off right:

- Don't be a lone ranger (get involved in your district and city)

- Put a system in place (have a plan and be organized)

- Wait for the right leadership to start new programs (develop a team)

- Get students involved in outreach (students reaching students)

- Light a missions fire in their hearts (STL, AIM, local missions)

- Help students become leaders (Campus Missions, Fine Arts, etc.)

3). Ministry of the Day: The City Church - another powerful church in Portland, Oregon. Download messages and other media

4). Link of the Day: Djay for Mac - Organize your itunes music for an event

5). Quote of the Day: 'Don't give up on learning' (Dr. George O. Wood)

6). Miscellaneous: Today is Dec 1st, the beginning of Hanukkah. It's also the day in 1955 that Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus, marking the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement.

Top 100 NYM Photos of 2010 - #62 - Levi, a member of our camp staff, trying to get a fire going at Family Fest (one of my favorites)