33Live has been canceled for todays meeting at 7:00 PM due to bad weather.
Also, a travel advisory has been announced for Jefferson County with blowing snow, and high winds.
Try not to drive if possible.
Enjoy your night home with your family and we will see you next Wednesday at 7:00 PM!
-33Live Web Staff-
Broken Guitars - January 23, 2008
By Mandee Widrick
I sat tonight wondering what title would be appropriate for tonight’s 33Live meeting, with idea after idea flying through my brain. Should I use this one? Nah. That one? Uh uh. Finally after flipping through four pages of scribbled notes taken during the meeting - that I could actually read for once - I settled on “Broken Guitars.” If you missed out on David Lugo’s sermon, you’re probably thinking that sounds a little weird, but now I’ve got your attention, which was the whole idea in the first place.
David was asked by a snowed-in and stranded Christopher to speak tonight….and what a blessing it turned out to be. (Not that Christopher being stranded was a blessing! But you know what I mean.) David opened up tonight with some great verses from Psalms about humbling your heart and leaving your pride behind. Psalms 51:16 (from the Message) reads: “Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered…” Shattered is a frightening term. When I hear it spoken, I think of glass falling to the floor and breaking into a thousand pieces. Why would I want something inside of me to shatter like glass? Hmmmm. Something to think about. We quickly moved on to the next passage where David again challenged us. Psalm 139:23 reads: “Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about…” I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t tell just anyone to examine my life! David pointed out that, yes, it’s a scary thought, but better to know what’s truly in your heart and deal with it, verus let it sit dormant where those things can grow into giants. In his own words (and I loved this analogy): FACE THE GIANTS OF TODAY BECAUSE THEY ARE THE MIDGETS OF TOMORROW! We can overcome those giants! Satan is battling hard for us because he knows what a threat we are to his kingdom of darkness. If we really knew what we were capable of with Jesus, the talents He has put in us, the plans He has for us….we probably would never believe Him. How cool is that? VERY cool.
Brokeness was also a big part of David’s message tonight. A broken and humble heart before the Lord is a heart that is of His own. God is looking for us to be humble and lose our selfish ambitions. If I write because I’m looking to become rich and famous…well…I know that’s not what God is asking of me. Search yourself and see what gifts God has put in you and ask Him how He would have you use those gifts. At the same time, if you know what gifts He’s put in you, and you aren’t using them, it’s not much different than if I use mine for the wrong reasons. Brokeness. Humbleness. God is just waiting for us to step out of the way so He can put us where He wants us. Don’t be afraid to let go and allow God to give you your wings. You’ll be amazed at where you might fly.
Oh yeah. And as for broken guitars? David brought his old guitar with him tonight, and told us its story. The guitar had once been broken at the top, only to be stuck back together with some tough superglue. Unfortunately, because of the guitar’s little mishap, it requires tuning each time David picks it up to play. We are like that guitar. Living our lifesong….waiting for God to play something beautiful out. Along the way, we slip up, break, and allow ourselves to get out of tune. God’s tune. And each time He lovingly picks us back up, and tunes us back to His song…but only if we’re broken…..humble….and willing to be part of His song.
~Mandee~
Last Friday, twenty-two of the leaders packed into the church van like sardines and headed out for Lima, NY to attend the Youth Leaders Summit at Elim Gospel Church. Our day actually began with a dangerous crash in Depauville, a foreboding sign of the weather’s power. No, non of us were involved. But the heavy snow caused bad road conditions and sent a pick-up truck and trailer careening across the opposite lane, slamming into the corner of an old 1820’s stone house. No one was injured, accept the Dodge Ram, proving that just because something is new doesn’t mean it’s better. (Although the old lady that lives inside thought her new surround sound system was quite life-like).
Once we passed south of Tug Hill, the sun came out and it was smooth sailing the rest of the way. No more accidents were seen the whole trip. We pulled into our Days Inn in Henrietta and got everyone settled. Our check-in lady, Judy (pictured right), was once stationed at Ft. Drum. And although she wasn’t more than 5-feet tall, there’s no way I’d ever mess with that little Italian momma!
From there we arrived at Elim for the opening session. Michael Kim led us in worship, one of the highlights of the weekend for me. His simple manner and genuine heart for the presence of the Lord blessed each one of us. He also gives lots of room for people to sing their own song to the Lord, which I really appreciate.
Pastor Eric Peoples, a former graduate of Elim, shared an encouraging and prophetic message on just that–encouragement! It seemed more than a divine coincidence as Pastor Kirk just finished a message last Sunday on encouraging one another!
Saturday, after a short night’s rest (some far shorter than others–you’d be amazed at what youth leaders do when they’re together!), we journeyed back down to 
Elim for more worship with Michael Kim and a session with Pastor Rick Sinclair on balancing family and ministry. Obviously most of our leaders don’t have kids (in fact, most of them aren’t even married!), but the truths and principles are valuable no matter what stage of life you’re in.
After another session with Pastor Sinclair, Pastor Peoples gave a final message and then we broke up into groups, according to our churches, and were prayed over on group at a time. Since we were by far the biggest, we went last. Pastor Peoples spoke into us as a group, repeating almost word-for-word what we’ve been discussing as a group. More than a few eyebrows were raised as he repeated specific words we’ve already been hearing from the Lord.
But it shouldn’t surprise us, should it? As Paul said, it’s the same Spirit at work in all of the believers. What we say one-to-another should bare witness to all those around. That, and 99% of the time what a Prophet speaks is already something God is trying to get across to an individual or a group. So it was very encouraging to hear so much confirmation: that God is calling us in 2008 to a “committed lifestyle,” that we are to constantly “encourage one another,” and to feed our generation, not from a water fountain, but from a “fire hydrant.”
Afterwards, Pastor Jim led the team home as Jennifer and I proceeded to her parent’s home in Lyndonville, NY. Everything seemed OK until we got a text about the bad weather. “Ben just missed a deer and a ditch by inches.” Our hearts stopped, but everyone got in safe and sound despite the horrendous amount of snow fall.
Thanks for all your prayers! And when you see any of the youth leaders, please make sure to thank them for all they do for you.
Blessings!
Pastor Christopher
For:February 2008
Friday, February 15th Sunday, February 17th
Watson Homestead Painted Post NY
This youth retreat is one you won’t want to miss.
Come for an encounter with the Lord and fellowship with other youth from New York.
Starting on Friday at 7pm and ending at 12 noon on Sunday.
The Christopher Hopper band will be playing, along with motivational speakers and worship.
You will be staying in cabins at Watson Homestead for two nights. No Hotel rooms here!
Sledding, sleigh rides and a basketball court will be available.
Total cost is $120.00 dollars Meals Included.
(Need to know by Wednesday January 23rd)
__________________________________________________________________
Friday, February 29th Saturday, March 1st
Winter Blast 2008 Delta Lake NY
“Talk is cheap”
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourself.
Do what it says.
Generation Ministries Retreat (Ages 12-24)
Delta Lake Bible Conference Center.
Early registration: $70.00 BEFORE 2/18/08
Registration at the door: $90.00
Speakers: Christopher Hopper and Aaron Camp.
(Need to know before February 13th)
Congratulations to: Carlton Yelle, Mandee Widrick & Katie Brennan.
Who won the Christmas Online Writing Contest! We would like to honor our winners by posting their art here on the site. Congratulations again to our winners and enjoy.
2nd Runner-Up “The Porcelain Christ Child” Katie Brennan
”It is my fifth year here,At the little orphan home. My dull blond hair hanging limply,My gray eyes look like stone. As I stand staring out the window,That frosty, dirty windowLooking dully out the windowAt the blowing, drifting snow.Yet in my icy hand I holdA tiny, priceless treasure. A little baby in a bedScarcely an inch in measure.I gently traceHis sweet visageWith my bony little fingerAnd smoothing down his porcelain hairI kiss him,But then, I linger.The thin blanket of blue paintSmeared over his dear formSeems to give little warmthTo the babe so faded and worn.I remember the kind old priestwho had given this gift to meHis wrinkled smile and calm green eyesStill etched in my memory.“Little one,” he had said,Pressing the trinket into my hand“This is the Christ-Child, you seeAnd He came for every woman and manTo bring joy and peace to everyone.”He paused, then added,“And years laterHe would die upon a crossBut He rose again, you see,And He’s coming back someday,For you, and also for me.So, Merry Christmas, little one.”And he blessed me and walked awayI’ve never seen himSince that cold, December day.But I still remember that good old manAnd I remember what he said.I know the One called Jesus,And how He rose again from the dead.Now He stands in heaven,Loving us tenderly,But I hope that He sends more kind old priestsFor little ones just like me.”
1st Runner-Up “A Walk With The Wise Men” Mandee Widrick
He died in my place……….Jesus Christ is His name.”
Grand Prize “Old Man Clancy’s Gift” Carlton Yelle
“It was two days before Christmas and the whole town was busy getting those last few gifts for family and friends. The checkout lines were full. The Christmas tree lots were almost empty, and children ran around wildly, all anticipating the morning of sublime happiness and joy to come. I completely loved Christmas; it was the best time of the year. I mean honestly what boy of ten didn’t like Christmas. The presents, the food, and all the waiting made us nuts about it. Christmas was a day of paradise, no school or teachers, no rules, and snowball fights all day with your friends. Who could ask for anything more! I had already gotten all of my Christmas shopping done. So all of my presents were wrapped and under the tree. I could spend the next two days with my friends, running and playing. As I walked into the house my mother asked if I would like to go to the post office with her to drop off some packages, I agreed and we drove off to town together. On our way into town we passed old man Clancy’s house. Clancy owned the biggest house in the whole town, and the oldest. It was dingy and broken down. The paint was chipped and the windows were mostly shattered from kids throwing rocks at them. All in all it was a creepy house. I had never been on the inside but I figured that it was the same. Old man Clancy lived in the house alone. He mostly kept to himself since his family was killed in a fire seventeen years before. He never really had any visitors that I knew of; he just sat alone in his house all day doing nothing. Most of the kids on the block made scary stories of what he does inside, like weird experiments on kids and things like that. He only came out to get food and wood but since he had no job I don’t know how he paid for them. Maybe it was welfare or something. But when ever we did come out he had his bible in his hand, and he would be mumbling something to himself, probably a bible verse or something. He never did anyone any wrong. Although he was never around to do anything wrong; But the neighborhood kids including me did all sorts of cruel things to him. We threw rocks at his windows … and him. We tripped him; we spray painted things on his house, and we smashed his mail box. Even though we did all these mean things he never got mad, but his eyes would tear up a little and he would say Jesus loves you. Those three little words were all we ever heard him say. Since he did nothing to stop us we kept doing the mean things. But back to the story. We get to the post office and I saw Mark and James having a snowball fight. So I asked mother if I could join them, she agreed and I went over to join the battle. After a few minutes of war we spotted old man Clancy coming down the lane. James decided to start making snowballs with rocks in them. We joined in and as soon as old man Clancy came into range we opened fire. He let out a terrible scream and ran away crying. We kept throwing until he was gone then we highfived and then we resumed the war. Then out of nowhere my mom came up behind me grabbed me by the ear and dragged me to the car. As we were driving away she flipped her lid. She yelled and yelled about how I should be more considerate and stuff like that but I wasn’t listening. We got home and I got spanked and sent to my room. I was grounded for life, confined to my room. So I read comic books for the next two days. Then the night before Christmas I was sitting in my bed just looking out my window at the snow falling. It was a very cold night and the wind was howling. Just then I could see a shadowy figure in the haze. It was old man Clancy with a sack over his shoulder. He walked up to the porch and took something out of the bag placed it on my porch. As he was walking away I ran down stairs put on my boots and coat and went outside. There on the porch was a beautifully carved wooden toy soldier. I studied it over. It was perfect in every way. It had so much detail and on the bottom of the toy I spotted the words Jesus loves you carved into it. I started to smile, the biggest smile that has ever come across my face. I followed him around town and at each house of a child he left a beautifully carved toy. There must have been over a hundred. It finally got too cold for me to bear so I went back to my room and slept with content. The next morning I opened all my presents and poured out my stocking. I was so ecstatic with all the wonderful things that I had just received. After breakfast I asked my parents if I could go to old man Clancy’s to thank him for the gift. They agreed and I ran over to his house. I got there and I walked inside. The first thing that I noticed was that the whole house was indeed the same as the outside, and it was deathly cold. I found my way to the den where I saw an empty fireplace and old man Clancy sleeping in a chair next to it. He looked pale and as I walked closer I found that he was dead. He had no pulse. I ran around the house to try and find firewood too warm up the house but there wasn’t any. I came to the conclusion that he used the last of his firewood to make the presents for the children. I sat down and cried for hours realizing the love and compassion that he had for the children that did him wrong. My mother came to the house looking for me and I told her the story. I bought the old house and fixed it up. I am now 62 and to this day I try to live my life the way he did with love and compassion towards all. And the little toy soldier rests up upon the center of the mantle above the fireplace. Anyone who has ever came to my house and asks about it I have told them the story about how old man Clancy gave his last piece of wood to make the children happy.”
~33Live Web Admin~
