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Wednesday, October 29, 2008Year book yourself contest
 OK, here is my yearbookyourself picture. I would like to see yours. The person with the most hilarious one wins a free shirt...pretty simple. Just leave a comment with a link to the picture you created through this hilarious site.PEACE Doug
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9:36 AM
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Tuesday, October 28, 2008Things don't work out like we plan...I was just reflecting on some things that have been going on at the church, specifically with the youth ministry and I just about burned my calendar. It seems like every time I make plans or decide we are going to do something fundamentally different, it totally explodes. Although that seems negative, it doesn't have to be. For example, I planned a meditation sermon series for my youth (even for the Jr high) and thought it'll be great. I knew that it would be tough, but I thought if one or two of them get it and can actually learn to listen to God, that would be so worth the other two kids being bored out of their minds. So when the part of my sermon came that I gave them total silence to listen to God, and I was in full force police cruiser mode, ready to tap people on the shoulder if they started giggling to ask for their registration. I was blown away to realize they were actually doing it. I didn't even plan on it working, I just thought God wanted me to have another lesson in humility. Then the craziest part was that I got a chance to listen to God too. What a treat. Our meditation time EXPLODED, in all the best ways. But my thought is, why do I even plan when I never really have a clue what God is going to do. When I plan for the worst the best happens, and when I think I've finally got a grasp on what the big G has for us, he slaps me on the forehead and chuckles like I'm just the cutest little guy trying to wear big-boy pants. When I was first starting out as a camp counselor (for Summer Games) the founder of the camp, Stan Wierson had that same kind of agenda. There were times when he came in unannounced and would take over an evening service and all the planning and effort we put in was just wasted, but great things would happen. One time we prepared a skit and a song to preform and he walked up and took the mic and said "We're going to sing Christmas carols!" and we did. Then there are other times when he was supposed to give the sermon some night and he just never showed up. We'd just look at each other until finally someone would wing it in his absence. We always saw it as pretty inconvenient, but does God do that same thing. Is he teaching us to not take ourselves too seriously? Or is the moral, to plan but don't get your hopes up because if your plan is bad, God is going to change it? I think ultimately I'm just going to keep stressing out because ministry is stressful. And God has the right to change things as much as He wants, but I still have to be responsible with the time I have with these kids. And I'm not going to just show up with no plans and demand or try to force God to do something...I'll just let him show up and do His thing whenever He's ready to. I'm OK with never having control. PEACE Doug
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New shirt AGAIN!Another new shirt just popped! Check it out. You get free shipping until Friday! PEACE Doug
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10:02 AM
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Monday, October 27, 2008Monday's Shirt Release
  This is what I was talking about. We are releasing a-shirt-a-day until all our new shirts are out there for you to get your hands on. This is the first one, and yes we are doing free shipping until Friday, so you better act today. There may not be any left tomorrow.PEACE Doug
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poll resultsHere are the results from my poll about what types of books you all read. Fantasy Fiction (ie: Harry Potter, Twilight) 29%PEACE Doug
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10:07 AM
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Review: My planning abilities
 Today I decided to do a review of how capable I am of making plans and sticking to them. Grade: D-I am below average at planning in general, but with our Engedi Reset Concert my biggest flaw was not in making the plans but in making sure everyone was on-board before I made announcements. I'm sure it was 99% because I was so darn excited, but still I want to formally apologize for all the changes and rain-checks. So with all that said, I'd like to announce that we are making one last change. For many reasons (I'll explain them in the next paragraph) we are changing the date of our Reset for the 22nd of November. So here is my list of reasons to cause you loss of sleep and anger. Reason #1Well I know we will have mixed emotions about this but, all-in-all it had to be done, and works out best for us all. I hope you will all show up wearing your killer Take the City shirts and be ready to have your mind blown. And don't forget to check back each day to see the newly released gear! PEACE Doug
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9:36 AM
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Friday, October 24, 2008Engedi surprisesI am pleased to tell you that we will be releasing 4 new shirts next week! We will release one each day until they are all out there for you to grab. And we are going to give you incentive to buy them right away...if you order before Friday the 31st you will get free shipping! So order soon and order often. Keep checking back every day next week to see all the new cool designs, you'll love them. OR ELSE. PEACE Doug
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Wednesday, October 22, 2008Bucket List for my weekI read a post by Josh Griffin about an idea he and his family does. They have a bucket list for each week of things they want to do together before the week kicks the bucket. Like read 10 books together, make Halloween costumes for the kids, etc... I love this idea! I am fully stealing it and am trying to comprise my first week bucket list. This is what I've got so far: -Watch Toy Story 2 all the way through (I usually just let Jaxon watch it then go do my own thing)If you have some more suggestions let me know. I'll add them either this week or next. PEACE Doug
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Wednesday activity: Texting Doug to have a good day!Here's what you do: Send me a fun text message that will brighten my day. If it makes me laugh out loud, I'll probably send you some free stuff. Standard text message charges apply, and you have to receive a text to verify it's really from you, just didn't want you to be caught off guard when it asks for your number.
OK, I expect some fun text messages...Help me laugh! PEACE Doug
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What is your favorite video game system?What is your favorite video game system? wii 60% xbox 360 0% ps3 20% Who has time to play video games!? 20% Thanks for voting! A new poll will be up soon. PEACE Doug
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winner of the blog contest
 ...and his hair was perfectNice! I liked this one the best, and now I need your info, so just send it along from the contact us page so I can get you your new shirt. On another note I have been on a hiatus from posting and I apologize. I have been busy with normal stuff, and let it get the way of my fun blogging times. I'm usually not the type of person that lets the fun stuff slip but it was a necessary time off. But rest assured I'm back and will be posting this morning to attempt a partial catch up. PEACE Doug
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9:21 AM
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Wednesday, October 15, 2008Busy WednesdayI was so concerned with working and not playing while working from home, that I forgot to do the fun part of my daily chores. So for tomorrow (or late tonight) I will be naming the winner of the caption contest and catching up on all my other fun things to do. Sorry for the delay! PEACE Doug
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4:40 PM
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Monday, October 13, 2008Review: Gas prices
 I filled up my gas tank yesterday, and I got a nice surprise. It didn't cost me over $30! I was so excited I took a picture. Notice it was almost 10 gallons for only $26, I was on E in the old Echo and I went passed the F with only $26! I don't discuss the economy or even oil issues on here often but I just thought this was great. Although it does scare me a bit. I mean, gas prices were going up, and now everyone is freaking out about the economy. What happens when gas prices go down... What is so messed up in our universe that when gas prices go down I get scared. I'm backwards. PEACE Doug
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Poll ResultsColi 71% Analiese 29% Doug Jr. 0% Simon and Megan now have to name their kid Coli...READ THE FINE PRINT! PEACE Doug
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Sunday, October 12, 2008This just in: Xbox 360 is pretty cool
I'm sure very few of you before just now knew that the Xbox 360 was so cool. So, you're welcome for delivering breaking news. The real news is I just started my first Gamertag on Xbox Live. So even though I don't have any points, you will be able to track my Xbox'ing via the Gamertag at the bottom left of my page. I also don't even own an Xbox 360, but I do have the opportunity to play it across the street at Simon's house any time he's not. For the two of you that care. PEACE Doug
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7:56 AM
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Friday, October 10, 2008Take the City is overbooked!
 We recently found out that Take the City has another show for November 1st and therefore can not play our show here. So we had a tough decision to make: either do the show without them, or find another date that will work. Well we decided that they were too cool to do without (even though they can't work a calendar)! We fully forgive them, and are going to have them for our New Reset date of either Nov 15th or 22nd. We'll reprint our posters, and if you're interested in a misprint let us know we'll sell you one cheap!Other than that, I got a sneak peek of our December line, and it looks AWESOME! Like I've said before, we are moving in new and exciting directions and you are all going to get a kick out of it for sure. I am very eager to hear the first "Wow! did you see this!?" at our Reset Concert. Don't forget if you want to get your hands on the first Take the City Reset Shirt, enter quickly! PEACE Doug
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Wednesday, October 8, 2008Rainy DaysTuesday was a rainy day. I tend to be a fan of rainy days, not just an avid admirer but a fan. When the staff was getting out of the van from our lunch trek and everyone had their jackets and hoodies on I was just wearing a tshirt. They all piled out and sprinted for the door, talking about how MythBusters proved you don't get more wet compared to walking. I just walked slowly appreciating the coolness and the feeling that goes along with Fall rainy days. That anticipation of maybe getting home and opening the windows, snuggling up with Liz and Jax in a blanket and watching Toy Story 2 for the thirty-seventh time this week, listening to the rain, just having a virtual "pajama jammy jam". But we couldn't. There was too much to do. Not bad things, but things that prevented us from having time together to relax. Then by the time later that night we could have our "jam" Jaxon needed to go to sleep so he wouldn't be irritable at school the next day and bite his friends. But apparently he is the South side of his bed's North side magnet because each time we put him in it he magically flips around and eventually rolls off of it. Then hangs out at the door watching TV through the hallway until we notice him. So once I sang "You are My Sunshine" seventy-five times he fell asleep. But "You are My Sunshine" makes me tired too. I'm sure the rain and the early nightfall had something to do with it but I fell asleep at eight o'clock in the evening. So much for that time together. PEACE Doug
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9:49 AM
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Caption Contest
 OK, I am putting up one of my favorite pictures. What I want you all to do is leave a comment of what a funny caption could be for the picture. If you need inspiration just go here (might be best to start at page 1) and surf the site until you have all you need then come back and leave your awesome comment. The winner will get the very first Take the City/Engedi shirt that will get you free access to the November 1st Reset Concert.So let the games begin, you have one week to come up with as many hilarious captions you can think of. You are welcome to post as many as you want, just don't go crazy and post 4,000. And please keep them clean, if they are inappropriate I'll delete them. PEACE Doug
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Winner of last week's activity
 The winner is...Mackenzie! The answers were: 1. D 2. F 3. B 4. E 5. A 6. H 7. C 8. G Since Mackenzie was the only one to play, even though she missed two, she will get the complete set of our new unreleased buttons. I can't even show you pictures of them yet because they are being released at our November 1st Reset! So now that you know, I'm giving away free stuff, start playing my Wednesday activities to win more free cool stuff. PEACE Doug PS: Mackenzie please email me via the contact page, with your new address to get your prize.
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9:16 AM
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Monday, October 6, 2008the "Double Greeting"
 One of my jobs as the Youth Pastor here is to do the announcements for a few services each weekend. I usually like it, although there are times where I get very little energy returned my way. I'll walk up on stage with a huge smile and a fun personality basically saying "hey, I just had four Mountain Dews and six doughnuts. Let's praise the heck outta this service!" And when I say "good morning" all I get back is one person saying "Hi Doug!" (the person that does respond like that is usually my friend that knows how horrible it makes me feel when no one responds, so they're really only doing it for my sake, not even to participate, so even that is tainted). So the temptation for me is to give the Double Greeting which goes something like this.Me: "Good morning!" Crowd: "Good morning." Me: (Sensing that the crowd's volume or enthusiasm did not meet my expectation, I decide to shame everyone into a more adequate response.) "I said 'Good Morning!'" Crowd: (A little embarrassed or annoyed that their good morning failed to meet some unspoken expectation, the crowd raises their voice and repeats.) "Good Morning!" Me: (Assessing the new "good morning" and finding it satisfactory, I release the crowd from this circular greeting torture and grade the response.) "That's more like it." I don't know when exactly it clicked but I finally realized this is a ridiculous practice and have sense vowed to never (intentionally) do it again. But, like most things I decide is a pivotal issue, no one else will take it seriously (like carrying around an old milk-jug filled with water). Then once I'm sensitive to the issue, I'll notice EVERYONE else does it. So here are the questions that I have: 1. Is the desired response based on volume or percentage of participation? If that one seventh grader that loves any opportunity to yell during church, screams "GOOD MORNING!" does that work? Or do we need to have 51% of the congregation move their mouths at the appropriate time? 2. Is it OK when the person administering the Double Greeting blames it on Jesus? "Whoa, let's try that again...That's better, that's the greeting Jesus deserves." Is Jesus OK with that? Is he pro-Double Greeting or anti-Double Greeting? Does he high-five Enoch each time someone does it, or does he feel like he just got thrown under the bus? Is he saying "Whoa...What!? I never asked for that Double Greeting!" 3. What is the record for longest Double Greeting? If, theoretically, a pastor had ridiculous standards and the congregation had very little motivation to participate couldn't a Double Greeting turn into a Forever Greeting? So, even though I've taken a vow of singularity, I may find myself delivering the announcements and accidentally let a Double slip out. If this happens I'm asking all of you reading to hold me accountable by coming on stage and grabbing one of the Chuck Taylors, I will undoubtedly be wearing, off my foot then return to your seat. It will be annoying to do the announcements with only one shoe on but it's the only way I'll learn. PEACE Doug
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4:23 PM
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Review of Reed's blog
 I just thought I would review my buddy Reed's blog today. I've been a reader of his blog for quite a while. Reed's blog dates back to the pre-archived Xanga days. He was there then he went to Vox then to blogspot, now he has settled with tumblr and I'd guess he'll stay there unless he finds a killer site that allows for even more customizability and features. So why have I kept reading even through the annoying little site changes? Good question!Reed's blog has your typical random finds on the Internet, like this post with Stephen Colbert on the cover of a Spiderman comic. But it also offers more. My favorite is when he reviews music. I am not hard-lined in with the underground music scene like Reed usually is. He has a good ear that matches my likes and tendencies which saves me time when buying new music. If he's never heard of it, I'll usually pass it by, and if he has I take his advice. He is constantly going to concerts and hunting for new music to listen to which I just don't have the time or ear to do. So he saves me time, frustration, and lets me feel cool when one of my youth says "hey do you like the Ivoryline" and I say, yeah I just got "There Came a Lion" and I love it. Thank you Reed. Also, he has good ideas. So good in fact, that I tend to steal them. Like this review day (his idea), which led to a schedule of events throughout the week, that I feel gives a lot to my page. So I just want to say thanks to Reed and remind you all to click on Reed's blog in the "Links" area to the left, constantly! PEACE Doug
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10:26 AM
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Friday, October 3, 2008Coolest slow-motion videoThis video is fantastic. I'd like it even more if it wasn't for the annoying music. Someone snag it and put better music to it and I'll be very grateful. Anyway, this is a video of people doing random things in slow-motion, and then being punched in the face (with a boxing glove). But still, if you think you've seen someone being hit in slow-motion before, this is better. Check it. PEACE Doug
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4:44 PM
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Engedi is Down!
We are even doing a special deal to get you into the concert. It's $10 to get in to the show OR you can buy a Take the City / Engedi shirt for $15 ($5 cheaper than our shirts usually are) and get into the concert free if you wear the shirt to the show! The catch is we are only printing a limited number of the "slashie" shirts. So you have to get them quickly or you are out of luck. Don't worry I'll let you know when they are available. So start saving your pennies and memorizing the Take the City album so you can reach maximal enjoyment at the Reset Concert! You may be thinking this isn't that big of a deal, but trust me when I say, this is a huge deal, and if you think new shirts is all we are announcing you will be pleasantly surprised when we blow your mind with what we are transforming into. PEACE Doug
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10:42 AM
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Thursday, October 2, 2008Random movie rumorJust read that a UK tabloid started a rumor that Cruise is involved in a Top Gun sequel. Picture Maverick as a flight instructor dealing with a cocky young punk chick that thinks she knows everything. Sounds cornball, but hey my only question is this: How are you going to recreate this horrible 1980's volleyball sequence? Because if you can't...then don't even bother making the movie. PEACE Doug
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10:38 PM
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youtube never lies
Here is the opening credits for a superhero show we are all glad didn't make it. Although if they tried again now, it could actually work. Sometimes you just look at these old shows and think, "did they not put any effort into finding someone who could actually write?" Apparently if you walked by these producers on the street and could prove you knew how to read you were allowed to write for their shows...It just makes me so angry, looking at what we have now. PEACE Doug
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4:24 PM
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Wednesday, October 1, 2008Fun Matching Game
 Match the staff person with their work-space. None of these people had time to clean their desks to make them look good, so don't judge them (especially me)! Listed below are each staff person's name and position at the church, and their corresponding workspace. Use your thinking caps, and leave a comment with your answers. PEACE Doug PS: If you are super familiar with these people and their work-spaces, don't ruin it for the rest of the people, by broadcasting the answers right away. Give them a chance to play the game!
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