We love you Ariel and Aaron!

We are all so sad to hear that Ariel's mom died this past week. She was a fantastic lady who loved her family so much! Our hearts grieve with Ariel and Aaron as they deal with this great loss! Please keep them in your prayers and give them a big hug when you see them!

Sorry that we couldn't have Ground Zero this week! I had to attend one of my favorite Aunt's funeral up in Michigan. We will be on as usual next week, but Ground Zero will be delayed after that until March 10th. More on that later!

Don't forget to bring in your camp deposit if you haven't! I am looking forward to seeing you all next Tuesday.

February 3, 2009 Go hunting for Bears and Ourselves!

Tonight was a great night at Ground Zero! We started out by reviewing how God was so very awesome in answering our prayers to find Ian's keys. He was AMAZING! in the way He revealed His power and glory with just a small set of keys! I am afraid, however, that we put God on the spot again by asking Him to show Matt where his $300.00 is. Now we realize that maybe God does not want Matt to know, and yet we are confident that He will bring some form of closure to the issue!

Acutally, that is not exactly true....we actually started out the night with 3 teens going on a "Bear Hunt" in which they were charged with hunting for 6 gummy bears in a bowl of whipped cream with only their teeth. It was fun, and when asked if there was some purpose...did it have any meaning to anything...the answer was no. But maybe it was an example of clean fun. Fun that does not need alcolhol, drugs, or sex. Just fun....and it was. (see video above)

We also talked about how well the Chili Cook-off went. As many great pots of chili that there were, one of our own...Matthew Preblick....won the contest and brought home the prize!!!! His chili was awesome! Ground Zero is proud of Matthew!!!! And....over $800.00 was raised for Big Stuf Camp this summer!!!! Our next fund raisers will be collecting spare change in our pigs (see picture above) and a yard sale at the Turner's house in March.

"It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life." Ephesians 1:13-14.

These verses are a gentle reminder that it is our life entwined inside the life of Christ that sets us free and gives us a life that is greater and bigger than the life on this earth that we are surrounded and tormented by! And THANK GOD for that!!! This world is not our home! Inside the life of Christ is!!! And that my friends, is SO MUCH BETTER than even finding our keys or our $300.00!!!

We will be back next Tuesday for more of God sightings and great news of our new freedoms with Jesus! Hope to see you there!

January 27, 2009 Can you Keep From Saying "I"?

That was the game.......Everyone got a Blow Pop necklace and could keep it as long as they did not say the word "I' for thirty minutes. Everytime they used the word and someone heard it, they could take their necklace. Ian maintained his necklace just by not saying anything.....his girlfriend Rae, was the "I" police and won the contest by confiscating a total of 6 Blow Pop Necklaces. Congratulations Rae!

The picture at the top is Blake. Notice the t-shirt......the youth of today have found new and profound ways to make you see yourself in a better light........?

We are continuing to move into the book of Ephesians......a great place to languish! After we gave the "God challenge" to help with some keys.....we also challenged Him to reveal Himself more to these teens who are sometimes looking with their heads and not their hearts. It is admittingly a big challenge, but only if you are not God.

Also, we viewed the long lost Ground Zero personalized Big Stuf Camp video from 2006! Just recently located in an archaelogical dig, it was the first time ever viewed by it's stars. Cute and memorable for all!!!! Now......where is 2007 and 2008????????

Last, but not least......do not forget that the Chili Cook-off is this Sunday. Bring your best chili to enter into the contest (yes, there is a prize) and come hither all teens to help prepare and serve the rest of the meal. This is a fund raiser for camp, so the help of all teens is necessary...and yes, should we say......expected????? It is a fun job...but somebody's got to do it.

See you all Sunday.......until then be safe!!!!! And WATCH FOR GOD! And Ian...let us know when you find your keys!

January 20, 2009

We had a great night at Ground Zero. We didn't miss much to talk about......from everything to camp, chili, Michael Vick, a little about the inauguration (not too much politics though), school, work, the Asylum retreat, and then a brief portion of Ephesians chapter 1 describing how much God loves us and how He joyfully showers us with His gifts. You are important, worthy and valuable to Him! Don't think so? Ask Him!

See you next week. If you are interested in going to camp, fill out a registration form and drag in a few bucks for your deposit. I have to know who is hoping to go in order to have enough spaces for everyone!

Great to see you guys again!

Thanks for a great night tonight at Ground Zero.....remember to bring your deposit for camp next week! and also get ready to join us for the Chili Cook-off on Feb. 1st. Yes...it does seem to be super bowl Sunday as well, but we will have time for both. It is going to be a great day!

Enjoy these additional pictures from our Christmas party! Be safe, and I will see you next week to work through some more of the book of Ephesians.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year. Have you seen God? Well....remember when and share it with us this Tuesday at Ground Zero. We have missed having Ground Zero and I look forward to seeing you all this Tuesday.

P.S. Your first camp deposits are due......bring what you can to save your spot!!!!!!

Celebrate Jesus!

Merry Christmas
and happy 14th Birthday to Casey, and 16th to Buggy!

As you can see, at Ground Zero we found a new definition for teenage wrapping

We celebrated the gift of Jesus by reading the Christmas story, working through a lot of the details leading up to the Christmas story, "wrapping" each other (good job guys) and opening gifts after our pancake dinner.

My Christmas wish for you all is that you will get a better, bigger glimpse of this Jesus that loves you so much! Watch for God along the way.....and if/when you see Him, leave a comment on this blog.