Thursday Morning Poll

What came first the match or the lighter? Technically the match did come first, so technically those who voted match were correct. However the first match that was invented was never popular because of how dangerous and expensive they were. The first friction match (like what we use today) was not invented until 1827 after the lighter was invented in 1823. A little history for all of you pyros out there. If you're going to be a pyro you've got to know your roots :-).

This Thursday's poll is a pop culture question. We've had several "blockbuster" movies lately on the big screen and I want to know what you liked best. You may have to go see a couple of movies in order to vote, but that's okay because all three are really good.

Before the summer movies began to show I was most looking forward to the sequel to Chronicles of Narnia and a close second was Indiana Jones. Out of the top three so far my favorite has been Ironman. What is your fav?

• Prince Caspian: The Chronicles of Narnia
• Ironman
• Indiana Jones: The Crystal Skull

Check back next week for the results!

And the Superstar volunteer of the week goes to...

RANDA KNIGHT!!! This post was for the previous Sunday, but I didn't have internet access in the cabin I was at so it will go up now. I'm sure she was a superstar last week too, while her husband Adam preached.

Randa gets my vote for superstar volunteer of the week because of her willingness to do anything. The check-in volunteer for the week was sick and I was unable to find a replacement. Without being asked or knowing what was going on, Randa saw a need and began checking in. I asked her if someone told her that help was needed and she told me no, but that she saw a need, so she filled it.

That my friends is superstar volunteer material! Thank you so much Randa, you are an incredible and vital part of GRID 29:11.

Somebody give her some props!

Steven Curtis Chapman's Family

As I pulled up the news today on my computer I saw a headline that a popular Christian artist's daughter died yesterday. Intrigued I pulled up the story and found that Steven Curtis Chapman's five year old daughter was tragically killed when his son accidentally ran over her in the driveway. This is very tragic and my families heart and prayers are with the Chapman family. If you get an opportunity pray for strength and comfort for the Chapman family in this time of need.

Thursday Morning Poll

Well the majority of traviswarren.net readers do not watch American Idol per our poll, but they can pick a winner. The winner of the poll for who they wanted to win, David Cook, was declared the winner last night. I personally saw that I could either watch the American Idol (the biggest by viewer finale of the year) or the Puppy Bowl IV. I chose the puppy bowl because I was playing with my dogs and although I follow the show online I cannot stand the show. Congrats to all the David Cook fans out there. Those who are in love with the other David, don't worry he will have a career when the boy band genre comes back. :-)

This weeks poll if for all of you pyro's out there. I'm actually writing this while a candle is burning on my desk. Without cheating or search snopes, google, etc... Here is our Thursday Morning Poll.

What was invented first?

• The Match
• The Lighter

Rock the vote, answer to come next Thursday!

Recharge yourself

Every night I walk into my room stand by my bed, pick up a cord and plug it into my precious blackberry. I then give it a kiss good night and tuck it into its own little bed, so that like me it too can recharge for another day.

I'm totally joking about the above ritual, but one this is true you've got to plug most things in to recharge them. For me I've got to unplug to recharge and this last weekend was exactly that. Normally it takes me several days to unwind and unplug, but I forced myself this weekend to do it in several hours.

Within several hours of vacation I forced myself to not twitter, blog or text. After awhile the shakes began and I was craving some twitter action, but I filled my time up with Rock Back, Mexican train and Canadian sorry (my family is very multicultural).

The result of unplugging? One of the most relaxing few days I've had in a long time. I took several naps, had lots of laughs and even went on a long walk with my wife. Now I'm back to the office ready to blog, twitter, and text.

All of need to take opportunities to unplug and unwind. It keeps us fresh and renews our passion for what we do. Make sure you take opportunities to do so. This weekend is Memorial Day and most will have Monday off. It would be wise to put away the phone and technology and just be with those you love.

Thursday Morning Poll

Last week we opened the can on what is the "greatest extreme sport." The results are in, the people have spoken and here are the top four:

1. Other - Unfortunately most people didn't list their other, so we have not measure of what other means :-).
   
2. Wake Boarding/Water Skiing - not surprising considering where we live and our access to lakes.
   
3. Anything Snow
   
4. NASCAR

Thanks for rocking the vote.

I recently heard a statistic that more people will vote for American Idol than for the President of the United States this November. I personally do not watch the show for reasons that will be kept private (I failed an audition and think I am SO TALENTED, SO I'LL NEVER WATCH THAT SHOW AGAIN!!!... just kidding), but I'd like to know if you do and who you want to win.

With that in mind I have two polls for you this week. Numero Uno:
Do you watch American Idol?

1. Yes I am absolutely in love with the show!
   
2. No, but I follow it via the web, twitter, news etc...
   
3. I'm a closet watcher and am fearful to admit it.
4. Never and will not over my dead body

The second poll:

Who would you like to win?

1. Ryan Seacrest
2. David Cook
   
3. David Archuleta

Enjoy!

Sunday Snapshots - Mothers Day

This past Sunday was Mothers Day, so no blog post when I'm hanging out with my momma. That's why this post hits the web on Tuesday (Monday was movie siesta with my wife after breaking my back doing yard work on Saturday). Here are the snap shots from Sunday with pics.

• Volunteers rocked the flock :-)!
• Great turn out for Mothers Day even though a bunch of students attended service with their moms.
• Production team tore it up! Thanks prodo (rhymes with frodo) team!
• Last time I saw the interns before they left for Africa for three weeks. We miss you!
• Tons of people turned out for our adult service for the Mothers Wish service.
• I heard Pastor Melinda's message was off the heezy!
• We gave away 2 cars to mom's and a ton of other things.
• Had lunch with my grandparents and parents.
  
• Rock Band with my family... and hockey. My brother is a huge Penguins fan being that he's from Pittsburgh.
• Absolutely awesome day with my church fam and my fam fam!
  

Pool? I won this game. Woot! Victory dance not pictured.

J.J. hanging out.

Tess and Shyann

Wii action shot

This is where we put Middles Schoolers for time out.

Preached so hard I got a blister... or maybe it was the whole moving 12 yards of dirt. Hmm?

Pre-service anticipation. Great service by the way!

Dan Hudson doin' work son!

My main man Curran. Love this guy!

This is what my Mom wanted to do for Mothers Day. She rules the planet! So does my wife...

My brother and I rocking the Rock Band!

Shaun in his penguins gear, they won!

It is finished

After 8 hours shoveling, hauling, shoveling and spreading my yard is done. The seed is planted and shortly I will have more grass to mow.

HUGE thanks to my brother in law Corey and my Dad.

Here are some pics.
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Grid Friday Night

Grid friday night (gfn) is a night where we hang out in our youth facility, but more importantly its about outreach and inviting.

Last week I saw a student who had never been to our Sunday service. I simply asked him to come and he did.
Inviting is easy. People are waiting to be invited so... Invite someone! This week. Right now. Call them up, text them, knock on their door. Your invitation may bring about life change in someones life.

Here's some pics from tonight!
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And the superstar volunteer of the week goes to...

MARA CURLEY!!! This past Sunday Mara was on the schedule to be a Foyer Greeter for GRID 29:11. Saturday night was her senior prom. Mara was out late with her friends having fun and she still got up early to serve at church. As is tradition at The Rock Church she wore her prom dress to church. In order to fit the role of Foyer Greeter she rocked her t-shirt over her dress (pictured above). Mara serves faithfully as a Foyer Greeter and as part of the worship team. She also comes down to the church during her week to help with special projects as needed.

Thank you Mara for your dedication to the church. You are an incredible volunteer and it's because of people like yourself we have such an incredible church!

Somebody comment a shout out to Mara for being the superstar volunteer of the week!

P.S. sorry there was no Superstar volunteer post last week, my phone was MIA and I was unable to snap a picture. I have someone for it and will get a pic and they will be called the super, superstar volunteer of the week.

Girls Friday Night

Last Friday the ladies of the Rock Church hosted 30 ladies from the Gospel Mission with this in mind: Give, Pamper, Love! It was incredible. The stories of life change are amazing.

Here are some blog posts on it:

Pastor Mel's thoughts - You'll have to scroll down and find it.
Heidi's thoughts
Teisha's thoughts

If you wrote a blog on it put your address in the comment section for others to read.

One more thing...

I was there during set up and ended up being a pedicure model for the "pamper zone." It was glorious here's a pic:

Where's your faith? VLOG

Thursday Morning Poll

This weeks poll somewhat shocked me as 29 out of the 51 total votes went for face-to-face communication. When I was setting it up I was sure "I don't talk to anyone, I'm a hermit" would would win. Just kidding! I figured Text or something like that would win, but reflecting on relationships you cannot beat the face-to-face. If we didn't have face-to-face as an option I wonder what would win? That will have to be a poll for a later date.

Well... Two weeks ago we did a favorite "traditional" sports poll. Here is this Thursday's poll:

What is your favorite extreme sport?

• Wake boarding/Skating/Water skiing
• Surfing
• Skate boarding
• BMX
• Anything Motocross
• Snowmobiling
• NASCAR/IRL/Car racing
• Other
• Sports? ...Yeah right!

There are many other extreme sport out there and this is why I included the category other. If your vote is for something else vote other and post what it is in the comments section.

Me and my family

I was hanging out with my family before our reach team (small group) tonight and I thought I'd snap some pics and blog them. Here they are! Gia with reggie and me with ralph. Gia calls them "our buggies." :-) Enjoy!
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Slave or Servant? - 1st Vlog

Ignite Camp 2008

Sign ups have begun for our Summer Camp. Below is some information about it and a promo video for you to check out. Get signed up now so we can plan for you to be there!

Sign up at ignitecamp.com

• When: August 11th-15th
• Who: Every current 5th grade student to current 12th grade student.
• How Much: $215 (sponsorship available)
• Where: Camp Berachah

Sunday Snapshots

Today was an awesome day here at the warren household. Lots of excitement at church and beyond. Here are the high points of today:

• Great turnout again at our youth service GRID 2911.

• We have some elements that need work on to improve our services, but we know what they are and we'll tackle those this week.
• Prom was last night for Monroe High School, so some tired eyes and one of our youth volunteers was still rocking their dress.

• We did "Solution" by United today for the first time. I love that song, especially the part where it says I will run this race for the least of these. Great line!

• The message today was on choosing to serve and was powered by Rockstar ;-).
  

• Those who choose to serve have their dreams come true (Joseph).
• If you meet the needs of others God will meet yours.
• Following service me and 18 others went to Lake Tye to serve our city.

• Lots of weeds pulled, hot dogs eaten and fun had!
• Great job every student involved!
• Following this I went to a Monroe youth leaders network meeting. Unity was built, we prayed for one another and discussed future events that we wold do together. It was a great time!
• Now I'm home typing this, watching my pugs run around terrorizing the house.

Trying to blog with my crackberry...

This is a test. This is only a test. I use to hate it when that would come on and interrupt my favorite cartoons.

This is only a test blog post to see if I set up my crackberry (which I love) up correctly.

Crazy excited about our services tomorrow at The Rock Church.

More posts to come! Especially if this works.
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Generosity makes dreams come true...

"I've never been clothes shopping at a mall before," were the words uttered by a 16 year old guy as we walked around the mall this last Sunday. Like many families with single parents, buying clothing all the time at expensive places is not an option, so this young man had never shopped at a mall before. When asked where he shops he answered, "Fred Meyer." On Sunday he went shopping for the first time at a mall and for $350 he walked away with more clothes than he's ever received at one time in his life - 3 pairs of nice jeans, 2 pairs of shorts, 2 pairs of shoes, a new wallet and 10-15 shirts (i lost count). This was a dream come true for him.

All of this was made possible because one person responded to generosity. God spoke to a member of the church and told them to give me $300 to take this young man shopping. This person approached me and several months later this young man drove home with a brand new wardrobe.

When you respond to generosity you have no idea who's dreams you are making come true. That young man will be forever touched and he knows that God is faithful and will take care of every need.

Proverbs 11:25 and 22:9 says that a generous man will prosper and be blessed and he who waters will himself be watered.

Find someone to be generous to. Listen for God to speak to you. You never know who's dreams you may be making come true!

Serve your City

This Sunday at 1pm we are meeting in the GRID to serve our city. For a couple of hours we are going to help out the city of Monroe with anything it needs. I am super excited to be able to help the community. If you didn't sign up, but would like to come be in the GRID by 1 with some clothes you can get dirty. See you Sunday!

Thursday Morning Poll

After a week of voting my suspicions were correct. As I put up the poll I had a hunch the size of Texas that NFL football would win. Raking in 22 votes or 51% no other sport even got close Every other option except for Golf received a vote. It's amazing how we live in a nation where there is something for everyone. Oh and only in the U.S. (and maybe Canada) would Futbol Americano beat out futbol (soccer).

Here is this weeks poll:

What is your favorite form of communication?

• Face-to-face
• Telephone
• Text
• Social Network i.e. MySpace
• Twitter
• Email
• Handwritten Letter
• Smoke Signals
• IM
  
• I don't communicate, I'm a hermit

It seems we are communicating more and more these days, so what is your favorite means?