Ah yes, here we are again. Another week, another youth group evening come and gone. Aye me and alas! Parting is such sweet sorrow. Happily, it occurs to me that there is a remedy for this aforementioned sorrow. So… by your leave– which you have no way of giving (how I love a good one-sided conversation!) let’s… dredge up the past!!!

This Friday, we regressed back to the good ol’ days of yore (’roundabouts kindergarten), and had ourselves an exciting game of show-and-tell. But fear not! We sufficiently up-dated it to suit the sophisticated tastes of our most aged members (clocking in at a ripe old seventeen), and so, in an innovative new form, this tried-and-true game was reintroduced to the masses as “Showing And Telling: The Musical Version!” (cymbal clash!). There were a couple assumptions at play here: 1) Music, somewhere in its infinite variety, holds an unshakeable place in many a heart. 2) Folk get pretty excited about introducing their most-cherished tunes to the ears of others. 3) Lively and worthwhile discussion can be generated by analyzing such things. So, the town crier sounded the alarm, and Friday found many painstakingly selected C.D.s lovingly conveyed into the youth room.

The discussion centred on “Art”: Whether the art of the song is Good or Bad and whether the message is Good or Bad. It was eye opening. Obviously, it’s a big, wide musical world out there! There were some interesting points made in defence of beloved songs, and overall, you could see that people consciously consider why their favourite appeals to them. However, past all that, it sort of raised the question: how often do we exercise our conscious–and, uh…”conscience”– consideration?

I don’t think anyone would argue about the commercialism of our culture– if in doubt, just note the transformation of highway-bordering wasteland, to “prime” billboard-advertising space. We live in an eye-catching, dizzying world of sales pitches and advertising. We are bombarded by strategic products that anticipate our tastes, and argue that they are “just the thing” we want. Sometimes they are. But sometimes, they are just “close enough.”

We find a show that delivers the belly-laugh humour we want, but not the morals that are important to us. Our song of the moment is oh-so-danceable, but we won’t play it if there are children nearby. And these are the things that begin to define us. Because, if our culture’s message: “You are what you consume” is even partly true, what are we? Compromisers? Maybe it’s a test to see how important what we believe REALLY is to us. Or maybe it’s a test to see WHAT we really believe. Either way, are the results flattering? If we are sincere, Romans calls us to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (12:9).

Maybe half the problem is that, as we look around, we can see the good mixed in with the bad. Why throw the baby out with the bathwater, right? But maybe the other half of the problem is that we’ve become too satisfied with compromised goods (hmm, that’s almost a pun: “compromised good”?). Do we even know what the “baby” is supposed to look like, anymore? Maybe we’ve lowered our standards too far; maybe we don’t need these things as much as we’ve been convinced that we do.

Whew! It appears I’ve reached my “dramatic rhetorical question” quota for the day. I won’t leave you with any more questions–the truth is, I’m out! But as a “fun-filled” exercise this week (because who ever REALLY gets enough homework? –ooops! There’s another one! I just can’t stop!) why not flex your consumer conscience, and see what sort of shape it’s in. So, that’s it. Tune in next week for another dose of “Shakesperiencing reality, one byte at a time.” (Now I sound like a commercial! Watch out, it’s contagious!)

Have you ever wondered about the secret mysteries of the female psyche? I know I do– and I belong to the club. (Uh, that’d be an identity clue, if you’re Detecting). Well…For One Day Only! A glimpse into the doings of a recent, auspicious Girlz Nite. Ready? Hold on to your hat…cell phone…whatever may be prone to flying away amidst the rampant excitement of the following revelation.

So, firstly: integral to every female meeting is… FOOD.  Preferably snacky, nibbly food that we can share and eat in small bits, throughout the duration of the event–thus not feeling like gluttons or pigs.  Dainty gorging.

Secondly, and equally as integral: a reason for gathering.  Although the female species love to "chat" and "visit"–note these as foreign words to that OTHER species– the importance of some sort of activity, event, or purpose accompanying said chat should not be underestimated. On the occasion in question, the noble purpose was both important and eventful.  We watched a movie. Yes, I know! At first, this would seem incompatible with The Need To Chat.  But on closer consideration, it’s not. In fact, in a group solely consisting of the female, talk sprinkled throughout the entire film can lead to an overall higher enjoyment, whilst also fostering a surprising sense of community.  (Which, by the by is why, when partaking of this medium with the male specie, we attempt to turn it into a time of fellowship and communication.)

Thirdly: atmosphere. Why do rooms decorated by women differ so greatly from those done by men? Because comfort matters to the female. As does visual appeal. And a certain welcoming, orderly "vibe" that is difficult to explain to the uninitiated. Again, on this occasion, all the above were more than amply provided by a particularly gifted (and gracious) contemporary, who not only volunteered a set of house keys, but is a prolific "atmosphere establisher." Yeah, she’s got a knack. Comfort, function, and visual appeal, all under the same roof!  (And here you thought Sports Utility vehicles were as good as it got. Let’s think outside the box, shall we? Or at least, in a bigger box.)

So, with all these elements in place, the commencement of fun was imminent.  And, boy!  Man! (why are there no female gendered exclamations? Anyway–)  did it arrive! It arrived in the guise of some lively gals– whom some might mistake for highschoolers, but the perceptive recognize as the embodiment of: The Chat. Yes, folks–aside from the key moments when the flickering screen claimed the spotlight in its vise-like grip, the Talk reigned.  And meandered.  If it was a car, it was all over the road! Over the speed-limit most of the time.  Launching down back roads.  End-to-end in heavy traffic areas.  I could decode this expressive metaphor and give you an itemized, topical list.  But… I think this demystifying has gone on long enough.  If you REALLY want insight into the female psyche, hmmm, I know! Let them talk freely, next time you watch a movie!  Complete bemusement in the face of some comments may lead to a better understanding of deep psyche-rooted differences.  And it might be fun. Especially if you listen.  It’s been scientifically proven that girls like listeners. (But you have to REALLY do it; not just look like you are.  There could always be a test later.)

Well, that’s this week’s Reality Byte.  I hope it helps your reality.  And that is doesn’t byte…   

Okay, it’s gonna start off weird, but stay with me: we all know how much growing babies need attention and interaction from loving caregivers. In fact, studies have shown that the children in understaffed/overcrowded orphanages are slower in their mental and physical development than the majority of other children their age.  Interestingly, that’s not because they are poorly fed, but because they get VERY little personal attention and physical affection.  AND did you know that the universally hated emotion, that pesky, ever-ready-to-pounce blackguard (alternately known as "Boredom") is not generally caused by a boring event?  Actually, saying you’re bored is supposed to really mean: "Nobody is paying attention to me" or "I feel disconnected."  Considering how often we hear that phrase, it seems like a lot of people are regularly feeling ignored, overlooked or left out.  (I’m sure you’ve got a few corresponding memories that come leaping to mind.  Maybe in vivid Technicolor!)  But the point is, our need for human relationship is very vital, and immediate.

Well, this Friday, a few things at youth group really confronted me with the importance of reaching out to others.  First: we had one of the leaders, Francis (uh, you can call him "Franco," but only if he approves your application), talk a bit about how interaction with Christians can make a difference, either good OR bad, in someone’s life.  Simply connecting isn’t the key– hey, when is it ever simple?  It has to be a real connection, with a real person.  Not a duty; not a project– just a real person, who is a Christian, genuinely wanting to get to know you.  "False connecting"– when the Christian isn’t sincere, isn’t really interested in you, and is putting on some kind of "friend-making persona"—has been known to harden hearts, doing more harm than good.  (It’s a funny thing.  Going back to our aversion for the B-word: no matter how desperate Boredom makes us, we resist counterfeit friendship.)        

The Second Thing was our event for the night: heading down to Joe’s Place for the evening to spend time with the youth there.  Our "theme" for the night was "The Best Friend I Never Had."  I was struck by that idea: all those strangers around us could potentially become a best friend if we got to know them.  Often, I think it’s an idea we know but don’t really live out.  Somehow, there’s a tendency in the face of opportunity to focus on making converts instead of making relationships.  I’m struck by how personal Jesus was: approachable to little children; in close contact with sick people; engaging in conversations and answering people’s questions, even seeking people out by name– not only preaching from a mountain top.  He let people know that they were known.  So for us, in the face of confusion, when wondering HOW to reach out to people, it’s as simple (and as hard) as letting them know you see them and that you genuinely want to know THEM.  It makes all the difference in the world. 

Well. Ahem, ahem, that concludes my lesson for today.  Sorry for the lecture.  I’ll have some knock-knock jokes next week.  Maybe.

Yes, indeed, it’s that time again, but how about a change of pace this week?  I heard the rumour that youth group on Friday was amazing–plenty o’ fun, some brand new faces, and lots of bustling about the city.  I’m sure several people could fill you in on the particulars of the night.  So, how about turning to something else, today?  Hmm.  But what? I’d really like to give you something thought provoking and meaningful here, but things seem a bit crowded mentally at this time–do you ever have days like that? 

The main thing taking up space seems to be impressions of last night (that’d be Sunday), and an opportunity I took, that had a big impact.  I enjoy Sunday morning services, and appreciate the combination of substantial content and punctual dismissal.  But some days–particularily this summer, I found myself longing for time to come together with people to just wait on God.  Well, it turns out that aside from Sunday mornings that’s not an easy thing to organize–or at least, wasn’t easy during those monthes.  Now, however, there seem to be countless opportunites springing up all over the place (prayer group, small groups, etc.). One that I find particularily exciting happened this Sunday, for the first time this year.  It’s an evening of worship, called "Shoeless Pursuit."  (Great name pick, by the way.  Ask the band or Steve, about the significance.)  It’s exciting because it provides an opportunity to come together (the general importance of which we’ll be learning a lot about in the next 40-ish days), AND the intention is to allow people to go ahead and WORSHIP–to pursue an encounter with God and practice praising him freely (something that certainly doesn’t come as second nature to many of us).

Well, I had quite the encounter.  Suddenly, well into the service, I felt like I was taking a deep breath of oxygen, after living on stale air for a long time.  Has that ever happened to you: you suddenly realize you’ve been remembering God, rather than experiencing Him?  I hadn’t realized how dry my faith was getting until it was transfused.  To cement the point, I came across Psalm 46 and couldn’t believe how much it spoke to that very moment.  Read it. It’s good.  

But, the thing is, I don’t think that in itself was the point.  I also saw something very clearly in all of this–and I hope it will be useful to you, too.  I wasted time WAITING for an opportunity to seek God, when I should have been WAITING on God.  Yes, community is good–and even imparative in maturing as Christians.  But, I can’t leave it up to others to…uh, basically hand me everything I need to mature.  I need to be active in pursuing God.  Otherwise, nothing will happen when there’s no one around (i.e. The Dreaded Summer).  And when growth stops, deterioration sets in.  So, there you are.  That’s your Shakespearience for this week.

If you are interested in some Sunday night worship, it happens every (I think?) second and fourth Sunday.  Talk to the youth band (most of them are playing on the platform various Sundays) or Steve and co. if you want Official and Accurate information.   

Well, we’re back with another Byte.  Hungry for reality? Have no idea what I’m talking about?  Perfect!  Let’s go.  Maybe by diving right in, you’ll get your footing.

So, Senior youth group, eh?  It occured once again this past Friday. Just like clock-work.  Were you on board?  The weather outside was fright-ful, but the youth room was delight-ful (ly warm-ish).  Rather than facing the looming monster that is the Canadian Cold, head on, we stalled the inevitable. The evening was spent lounging on cozy couches.  (That’s right.  There was no frolicking on the farm.  But, luckily, fun was still an option.)  I’m pleased to say we finally gave the couch potatoes their chance to shine.  Have you ever played a movie-based trivia game, where the game pieces are the remote and a T.V.?  Well, it just doesn’t get any better than that for "story-box" lovers.  Trust me.  I know my own kind. 

Because this pass-time really doesn’t get enough press-time, here’s a play-by-play of the action (roughly).  The competition was fierce.  The underdogs were making a comeback, or more accurately "gaining ground," when the action was brought to an almost standstill by consecutive rounds of astoundingly obscure questions.  Chronologically order various concession-stand snacks?  Name the "well known" HOTELS in some dozen "well known" movies?  But, not to fear.  Order (of a kind) was eventually re-established in the final round (by a stroke of LUCK– and that’s a fact!  Hey, I’m not bitter, just doing some honest reporting) and, alas, the underdogs retained their aforementioned underdog position. 

The night was pretty much wide open, after that.  I found myself playing cards, for the first time in a long time.  Good company.  Good fishing– no mocking!  The fun-potential of that game is grossly underestimated.  Mid-game I was struck by something.  Cards are an ideal group activity.  Yes, they may have a rep. for being old fashioned and maybe boring.  But, unlike movie watching that (maybe) involves occasional small comments from the group, cards invite participation in the action and in the conversation.  You could watch a movie alone and basically have the same experience, but cards get you to actually spend time together, rather than just spending it in the same room, staring at the same screen (sounds riveting, eh?).  Don’t get me wrong, movies have their place.  They stir the imagination and CAN start great conversations.  They can even educate.  But they don’t really encourage human interaction for however many hours they run–and generally, the "group time" winds down when the movie ends.  It’s like the wet blanket of socializing.  You might be suprisingly entertained if you pull out one of those good ol’ games like Sorry, Taboo, Scattegories, DUTCH BLITZ, or just a plain deck of cards (they don’t have to be plain; they could be Incredible) and see what high intensity action ensues. 

Alas… I believe I’ve reached my ramble quota, today.  Just a reminder: this Friday we’ll be meeting at the church at 7:30pm to go out in carloads and trade paperclips for Bigger and/or Better things all over Moose Jaw.  

So: Are You Game?