Enter the Whirlwind

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Whirlwind - Friday, February 24

Sunday, February 19, 2012

In the aftermath of Whirlwind last Friday, here is...

Something to Think About...
What stood out to you in the stories shared by Austin and Nancy?

Something to Read...
James 1:5-6
Jonah's Story

Something to Apply...
Here are Nancy's suggestions for making wise decisions...

What outcome and I hoping to accomplish or gain from this? Am I sure this will help me?
Make a list of pros and cons. Which list is longer? Sometimes when you write them down you will find the sides are really lopsided?
Ask wise people you trust for input and information. There may be things you haven't thought about.
Weigh the possible outcomes. In other words, what's the best/worst that can happen?
Ask yourself if the decision will have a positive or negative impact on others around you? Will they benefit? Could they get hurt emotionally, physcially, mentally, or spiritually?
Ask yourself: Will I gain or lose my parents' trust? Could I lose privileges like getting my license, getting to be with my friends on the weekend, keeping my phone, etc?
Picture Jesus sitting with you after you make the decision. Are you comfortable?
If this is posted on the internet, will I feel ok about it?
Will I respect myself later? Be embarrasses? Remain pure? Feel good about who I am?

Something to Check Out...

We're raising money to support rescused child soldiers at Whirlwind. Don't forget to bring in your change for Penny Wars! Every penny in your group's jar is 1 point. Everything else in someone else's jar is negative that many points (A nickel is -5 points, A dollar is -100 points).

Something to Do...
Take the Whirlwind Media Challenge! Details can be found here.

Something to Pray from the Book of Uncommon Prayer 2...
FATHER, you gave us this world and all its wonders, and we take it for granted. You gave us prophets and teachers, and we chased them away. You gave us your Son with the message of good news, and we refuse to listen. Yet you continue to give us as your children. Our actions and words show we don't deserve the gifts you give. But like a loving father, you continue to bless us. Help us see all the things you have blessed us with. Help us learn from your son, who gave his life and asked for nothing in return. Guide us ont he path. Bring us closer to you, God. Show us the way. Amen.

Whirlwind Media Challenge

Take the Whirlwind Media Challenge and earn Snack Shack dollars!

Choose a piece of media that you usually watch/listen to and evaluate it through the 3D process. Write it up and email it to Matt Acton for a Snack Shack dollar. (You can only earn 2 Snack Shack dollars a month.)

Here are 2 examples of 3D Media Reviews:
Up
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Here are some questions to reflect on as you write up your 3D review:

Discover

What is the main topic or theme?
Does this piece make any overt of covert suggestions on how to think, talk, act, or live?
What values and beliefs are seend as virtuous? What values and beliefs are portrayed negatively?
How is God portrayed? What dod is say about God?
Does this piece send any messages about what makes a person "successful" in life?
What is the worldview communicated in what you are seeing and hearing?

Discern

How creative or deep is this particular piece?
Is the artist/writer/creator consistent with his or her worldview or was this media piece created for another reason such as making money or helping to make the individual famous?
How does the content line up with God's Word and a Christian worldview?

Decide

Is this something I should listen to or watch? Will I continue to listen to or watch this?
Should I support this artist and media message with my money, time, and attention?
Does this piece have any ministry value? How would Jesus share his story or message with someone living in this worldview?