December 16th, 2007 by [r]weaver
Over the last two years, my Dad (Kevin Weaver) has logged thousands of miles on the highways and back-roads of North Texas and Central Oklahoma. Amanda, Ryland, and I have not been able to attend one of the four marathons that he has completed in the last two years… but last Sunday we got an awesome opportunity to follow his running via check-point text messages. It was amazing for us to be at church in Maryland while following his progress almost 1500 miles away at the Whiterock Marathon in Dallas, Texas.
Ryland’s Pops started training in August of 2005 and ran his first marathon in April of 2006. His first marathon was the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon where he logged a 4:09:47. Pops continued training and ran a 4:07:54 at the Dallas Whiterock Marathon.
After completing his first two marathons only minutes above four hours… Pops decided to set his sights on improving his finishing time by breaking the four-hour barrier as he began training to tackle these two marathons again in 2007. This last April he accomplished that feat by running a 3:52:44 at the OKC Memorial.
My Dad’s newest goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon. The qualifying mark for a 49-year-old elderly gentleman is 3 hours and 30 minutes. His time at the Whiterock Marathon last Sunday was 3:44:21. To me, the most amazing thing about the time that Pops achieved was that it was accomplished in weather that featured rain, 30-degree temperatures, and 20 mile-per-hour winds.
I think it goes without saying… but… let me say it anyway… we are so proud of all that Pops has accomplished over these last two years. I thought he was crazy when he told me his dream several years ago… and I still think he’s crazy today.
Pops… we love you. Congratulations. Now it’s time to get that sub-3:30…
Here are a few more photos of “Pops on the Run”…
PRESS ON!!!
-Weav
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December 11th, 2007 by Amanda Weaver
CLICK HERE to view a worship video I (Manda) created for use during our pastor’s current sermon series “How to get whatever you need.” The video features the song You Never Let Go by Matt Redman and focuses on Psalm 23:4. If you would like a copy for your own use in ministry please contact me manda@terminalconfession.com.
Thanks!
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December 7th, 2007 by Amanda Weaver
It has been one year since we first laid eyes upon the Eastern Shore. Our interview visit with Allen was the first weekend in December 2006. I fell in love with this place the moment we arrived. Now that we have lived through each of the seasons on the Eastern Shore I am even more in love with the beautiful landscape, the people, our church, the shopping, the opportunities, and the close proximety of the ocean. This is a great stinkin’ place to live.
The Maryland Winter punctuates my love for the ES. We have gotten to experience natures Christmas decoration twice this week. Check out Rylz first “independent” experience in the snow. Fun Times!!!
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December 6th, 2007 by [r]weaver
This video might have just saved my life… by reminding me about the IMPORTANCE of BREATHING. Honestly… this video is friggin hee-hi-larious!
Breathing is vital to life… but laughing is not far behind. Enjoy…
Breathing Commercial
(Disclaimer: I don’t really recommend any of this guy’s other videos due to content… but this one receives an easy ”PG” rating from Ryan V. Weaver…)
PRESS ON!!!
-Weav
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December 5th, 2007 by [r]weaver
We are currently working through an original sermon series from the book of Philippians called “MoJo”. This is a five-part series that centers on helping my students discover and re-discover the heart of Christ in our community (and our Student Ministry).
MoJo is literally defined as “personal magnetism or charm” at dictionary.com. Obviously, there are many cultural references to MoJo (from Austin Powers to American Express commercials featuring Andy Roddick to Nike Golf balls)… but it is my hope to help my students re-define MoJo in their own lives as “being in sync with movement and momentum of Christ”.
I will be preaching the second part this evening, but thought that I would take a moment to share a little video that I discovered on YouTube that will be used as one of my illustrations as we tackle the question… “What does MoJo look like in my life?”
(see Philippians 1:9-11 and check out The Message translation of this passage)
Here’s the video: Momentum by clarkstudios
PRESS ON!!!
-Weav
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December 1st, 2007 by [r]weaver
A wise friend once told me that “Life is about networking.”
I had the opportunity to co-host a Youth Ministry Network meeting for Volunteer Youth Workers on the Eastern Shore this morning. We had a great time discussing the importance of ministry to students and the unique challenges that are presented in small churches.
I have been working with Dr. Bruce Revel (Director of Missions at the Eastern Baptist Association) and Larry Davis (High School Pastor at Oak Ridge) to establish a network for the Youth Workers who serve on a volunteer basis in the many small congregations on Delmarva. We hope to create a network that provides occasional training, gives continual encouragement, and sparks fresh vision for reaching the students (over 6,000) in our community.
In the midst of our first network meeting I was given the opportunity to share some of the details of my journey in ministry to students… and some of the resources that have made a deep impression upon my soul. As I was preparing for the network meeting, the Lord reminded me of an article by Mike Yaconelli that has served as an encouraging reminder about what “NOT to do” as I minister to students. The article is called “Ten Easy Steps to Guarantee a Successful Youth Ministry!” and can be found archived on the YS website here. I also recommend reading Yaconell’s “Messy Spirituality” (which I have referenced previously).
In re-reading the Yaconelli article with these leaders today, I was encouraged all over again to be mindful of the most important things in youth work. I look forward to witnessing what the Father is preparing to do through this network… but the relationships are always the most exciting part of the process.
PRESS ON!!!
-Weav
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