New Year's Resolution

We are quickly approaching the new year. It is always interesting to hear about New Year's Resolutions. It's even more interesting to sit back and watch few people succeed. The RESOLVE to finish is special quality. It's special because very few people have it. Many of us have the propensity to dream but not many have the determination make a dream become a reality.

What is your dream/resolution in 2009??

I want to encourage you along the way!

You can run... but you'll just die tired

There is a saying among snipers, "You can run...but you'll just die tired." My homeboy Jason told me that-he has been shot and blown up oversees and lived to talk about it so I know the source is legit! The spiritual truth in this saying is fantastic. For the longest time I ran from God. He was clearly calling on my heart yet I wasn't ready to give up control of my life. He persistently and patiently pursued me. Many of you know what I am talking about.

God has each one of us lined up in His scope. So many times in my life I have felt like God was about as close to me as a distant star in the sky. Despite how we feel God knows each one of us intimately. The psalmist tells us that he calls the stars by name and Jesus tells us that every hair on our head is numbered. Even in the midst of this mighty Universe He knows us amongst the cosmos. We are significant enough to be greatly loved by our Creator despite how insignificant we may feel.

If you are running from God just remember, "You can run, but you'll just die tired." God has you in His sights. Nothing you can do can escape His reach. God wants YOU. If you are tired of running all you have to do is stop, turn around and embrace Him.

Advent Conspiracy: Christmas can change the world

"The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.

So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.

And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?

What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?

Welcome to Advent Conspiracy."

If you like the taste of lactic acid you'll love NEGATIVE SPLITS

"I'm told by youth ministers and other people that my life shouldn't be this spiritual roller coaster, but how does that happen? I mean we all sin daily right? How can I keep growing in godliness but still day after day fall into the same traps of lies,gossip,or dishonoring my parents? As a Christian aren't supposed to be getting better and better at becoming more and more like Christ? Instead the more and more i get to know Christ it seems like the less and less i become like him. These are just some thoughts from a confused young Christian!" -Senior in High School

I totally understand where you are coming from. I think there is a better illustration than a roller coaster: I think our Christian life is more like a train track (I totally ripped this off from Rick Warren): with one good rail and one that’s bad. There is and will always be things to rejoice over and always be things we are struggling with. That is how James said, “Consider it pure joy my brethren when you encounter trials of many kinds” or when Paul said, “God uses all things for good for those who love Him”.

The more you get to know Him the more you will realize how jacked up you are!! That’s actually a good thing because your heart is becoming more like Jesus. It is softening to His voice. I must admit, the more I know God the more I realize how much I need Him and how far off I really am. But rest assured, that is how He sets us apart.

Let me leave you with one illustration: NEGATIVE SPLITS (I totally ripped this off from Scott G.)
Negative splits is a runners term. In a negative splits work out you run a 6 min mile, 2nd mile a 5:50 and the 3rd a 5:40. It is the most grueling, gut wrenching work out there is. Some say that it’s not the fastest guy who wins the race but the man who runs slow and steady. But I disagree, I say the guy who wins is the one who runs NEGATIVE SPLITS. In football you give everything you have for 3 quarters-running, hitting, juking, jiving but the team who wins is the one who comes out in the 4th and runs a Negative Split.
It’s the same with Men of Faith. The guy who wins for Christ is the one who runs with greater urgency, conviction and determination each day. This is how we win the race! NEGATIVE SPLITS!!

Carl Cleveland: Inventor Extraordinaire

Gentlemen, Carl Cleveland-Inventor Extraordinaire is back at it. Introducing his latest invention...

Reflective Thinking

Some days it seems like our lives our way too fast. We never take even a moment to spend time in God's word or in prayer. After a week of not being in the word, I felt as if the LORD himself was tugging at my heart, saying "Matt I want you, but do you want me?" Then I knew that changes needed to be made in order for me to spend time with Him. So late afternoon one day I made the decision to spend some time by the water, and reflect on His nature. Let me tell you, that experience softened my heart and I really connected with the LORD that day. The next morning I cracked open the word, letting God take me to the place where I was to read. By chance I stumbled upon the very verse that I needed to hear so badly. Proverbs 27:19 (New Living Translation)
"As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person."

This struck a positive chord in my heart. Who knew that one could find the LORD by staring at a pond in a park? The LORD did.

Matt Galvin

Sexting...A new trend

A new article just got released by USA Today surveying over 1,2oo teens about cell phone/picture usage. There were some pretty startling results...

About a third of young adults 20-26 and 20% of teens say they've sent or posted naked or semi-naked photos or videos of themselves, mostly to be "fun or flirtatious," a survey finds.

A third of teen boys and 40% of young men say they've seen nude or semi-nude images sent to someone else; about a quarter of teen girls and young adult women have. And 39% of teens and 59% of those ages 20-26 say they've sent suggestive text messages.


Growing up in the 80's my father had a single phone to monitor in order to protect my little sister. We had no Internet, answering machine or cell phones. The ability for others to influence our home was limited to the TV and and the single line into our small country home. 20 years later the circumstances have changed drastically.

I know of a young girl in a town near me who sent a nude picture to her boyfriend. The two broke up and days later this picture had circulated throughout the entire school. This innocence of this little girl was shattered. Sure she made a mistake in sending the picture originally, but how cruel has this world become?

Text messaging and the new trend of "sexting" is a powerful threat to teenagers and adults alike. In fact, text messaging is the easiest avenue to affairs to date. As believers we have to be aware of this threat. Text messaging is a great thing, however we must continue to guard ourselves as technology develops.

"I will set before my eyes no vile thing." Psalm 101:3

"You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:27-28

"Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:8

Inspired Life/Living with Vision- What is the draw of this post?

I posted this entry on Oct 28th. In the last month it has received over 200 hits standing out above all other "old posts". I am not sure why? Help me understand. What is it that draws readers to this post among the archives???



The product of an inspired life is fantastic. Like Nehemiah, David, Jesus and countless modern day Mighty Men this lifestyle is that of the best leaders. People want to follow a man who has a dynamic dream and the character to fight for it daily. At Kanakuk K2, the Christian Sports Kamp I help direct, we believe that there is a born leader inside every boy and girl that enters our Kamp. Under the leadership of Joe White we have developed a program that challenges kids to dream for Christ and gives them the practical steps to accomplish their dream. As a result of this program we see teenagers taking the world for Christ. By God’s grace we get to see kids eyes opened to a passionate and intimate lifestyle that they didn’t know exists. We ignite this process by casting vision. And now more than ever our country thirsts for Men of faith leading with vision.

Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision the people perish.” The literal definition of perish is this context means: to cast off restraint, to loosen, to dissolve, to break up, to go to pieces, to go naked, to perish. If we take an honest look at our culture we see moral restraint being cast off. The foundation of truth that our Nation was founded on is dissolving. Our ability as a society to raise children of respect, honor and integrity is breaking up.

The prophet Amos warned the nation of Israel to return to their first love. The people forgot their God during times of prosperity and the time would come, in the midst of captivity, when they would long for the Word of God. Amos 8:11, “Behold days are coming,” declare the Lord God, “When I will send a famine on the land, Not a famine for bread or a thirst for water, But rather for hearing the words of the Lord. And the people will stagger from sea to sea, And from the north even to the east; They will go to and fro to seek the world of the Lord, But they will not find it.” The nation of Israel is to point all other nations to the One True God and to model to all other nations.

Brothers, our country has strayed from its first love blinded by prosperity. The economic state of our country is causing men and women to question everything. Now is the time for Mighty Men to rise up with a vision to take this nation for Christ. The Harvest is plenty but the workers are few. I pray that a remnant of Men who dare to dream, who dare to be faithful, who dare to fight for Jesus Christ will rise up from the obscurity of faithlessness and turn our nation back to the One True God. This is a mighty dream. This is an inspired life.

What do you think worship is?

This is a great question coming from a college student...

"Shay can i ask a question??? well i hope so because im going to go ahead and ask... but what do you think worship is??? how do we worship??? and does worship change us??? well i guess that is actually 3 questions but im just interested to see what you think... and don't feel like you have to answer..."

Worship is obedience.

The first biblical reference to worship was when Abraham brought his son to be sacrificed (Genesis 22). His act of worship was obedience. In this case, to show that he loved God more than his son. God provided a ram for the sacrifice and Abraham proved to be a man of faith.

When we praise God with music and singing we are being obedient to praise Him. When we are faithful to our Bible study we are worshipping. When we walk out of movies that convict our spirit we are worshipping. When we share our faith with friends we are worshipping.

I believe the misconception of worship is what causes men and women to fall away throughout the week. If the emotion of music and singing is what brings us close to God we will surely feel separated from Him throughout the week. However, a life of worship will keep us intimately connected with our Creator everyday. This is how it changes us. Daily worship leads to transformation (Romans 12:2)

Highland Park Clean Team

Highland Park High schoolers hosted their first Clean Team event. The event brought about 60 kids and provided a positive alternative activity on Friday Night. Congrats to the Kanakuk Kampers making a stand for Christ in their high school. Proud of you guys! Check out the website below to find out how to start a Clean Team in your school!

http://www.theoriginalcleanteam.com/

I want proof that God is real: The Prophetic Cross

Psalm 22:14-18 written by David in the 10th century B.C.

"I am poured out like water, And all my bones are out of joint;

My heart is like wax; It is melted within me.

My strength is dried up like a potsherd, And my tongue cleaves to my jaws;

And Thou dost lay me in the dust of death.

For dogs have surrounded me; A band of evildoers has encompassed me;

They pierced my hands and my feet. I can count all my bones.

They look, they stare at me;

They divide my garments among them, And for my clothing they cast lots."

Psalm 22 is a prophetic description of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ which occurred 1000 years later. Primitive forms of crucifixion date, at the earliest, to 6th century B.C. with the Roman style crucifixion specifically described throughout the Old Testament being developed around the 2nd Century B.C.

Specific details of Roman Crucifixion in this scripture are as follows:

-"all my bones are out of joint"-Dislocated shoulders from hanging on cross. Most deaths from crucifixion were the result of asphyxiation which is from a lack of oxygen supply to the body. Victims would have to pull themselves up with their nailed hands and feet to take each breath. The victim would eventually be overtaken by the pain and exhaustion and in essence suffocate to death.

-"my heart is like wax; it is melted within me"- victims suffered from high fevers due to infection called "sepsis" from pre-crucifixion flogging.

-"my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue cleaves to my jaws"-victims suffered from severe dehydration and exhaustion from loss of body fluid. Dried up like a potsherd refers to drying out of pottery in a kiln. A kiln removes the moisture from the clay. Crucifixion slowly removed blood and water from the body slowly killing the victim.

-"They pierced my hands and my feet"- Jesus was held to the cross by nails driven though his hands/wrists and feet.

-"I can count all my bones"-there are multiple Old Testament prophecies predicting that the Messiah would not have a single bone broken. Roman soldiers would often hasten death by breaking the legs of victims. John 19:34-36 tells us that the soldiers broke the legs of the thieves on either side of Jesus but when they came to Jesus they found him already dead thus fulfilling the scriptures.

-"They divide my garments...and for my clothing they cast lots." A specific fact recorded in all four of the Gospels.

This is a limited reference to the Biblical prophecy of Jesus Christ's Crucifixtion becuase there are references throughout the Old Testament. This is another scripture to go to when in doubt or dealing with a sceptic. Press on brothers!!

I want proof that God is real...

Doubt. As a believer in Christ I wrestle with doubt from time to time. Honestly, I think it is a healthy process to reevaluate your belief system-to search for truth. Christians are often lumped into the stereotype of being narrow minded, brainwashed, ignorant and uneducated. Christianity is the only faith that is backed by archaeological, philosophical, historical and biological evidence. God has provided the evidence to quench our doubt.

The following statements describe one man. Who is it?

-"Those who hate me whithout cause are more numerous than the hairs of my head."
-"The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers conspire together against the Lord and His Anointed One"
-" Strike the shepard and the sheep will be scattered"
-"They peierced my hands and my feet."
-"My God my God, why have You forsaken Me?"
-"They gave me gall for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink."
-"They divided my garmets among themselves, and they cast lots for my clothing."
-"He submitted Himself to death."
-"He bore the sin of many and interceded for the rebels."
-"He protects all his bones; not one of them is broken."
-"They made His grave with the wicked, and with a rich man at His death, although He had done no violence and had not spoken deceitfully."
-"He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughter and like a sheep silent before her shearers, He did not open His mouth."
-"Yet He Himself bore our sicknesses, and He carried our pains; but we in turn regarded Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted."

The following statements unmistakeably describe one man, Jesus Christ. However, these statements are found in the Old Testament which was completed 400yrs before Christ was born. No critic, no atheist or agnostic has ever claimed these prophecies were written after His birth. Their credibility is undeniable. You will find no predictive prophecies in any other religous writing: not Buddha, Confucious, Mohammed, Lao-Tse or Hinduism. Jesus Christ stands apart. The odds of just 10 prophecies becoming true is mathmatically impossible. The above statements represent a miracle defying impossibility. My doubt is quenched and my faith is strengthened.

Shay's Favorite Books for Teen Boys and older guys who can't read that good...

"Hey Shay: I am a mom of a 14 yr old girl K2 camper and a 16 yr old boy, and left this same question on Ashley's blog. Always having a difficult time finding quality uplifting and entertaining reading for the kids that is age and development appropriate. Wonder if you would consider a "Shays Favorite Books for Teen Boys"; kind of addition to your blog? Cathy"

I am reading "Do Hard Things" right now and I am recommending it to every teenager I meet. Awesome!!

Mark Cahill is the most sold out evangelist I have ever met. His writing is simple and easy to read. And there is no one that will get you more fired up to share your faith than him!

I read "Season of Life" after a Klife Conference with Joe Ehrman. This is a must read for every father and son. I devoured this book!I have only read portions of this book but I trust Ron Luce and his message to teenagers.

"Wild at Heart" is a must read for every dude!

"Every Young Man's Battle" is the most important book availible for young men today. It absolutley changed my life and caused me to become the man that the wife of my dreams would be attracted to. EVERY GUY needs to read this book!!!

I would not say that "Purpose Driven Life" is for every teenage boy but I know kids that it has impacted in a mighty way. It's awesome!

Ok, this is probably the book I am most excited about. I picked up "SINNER" a couple weeks ago and I could not put it down. It was my first Ted Dekker novel and it rocked my world. SINNER is a part of a series of books so I totally blew it, however I will be reading every Dekker book I can get my hands on! These books are action packed...gripping...mind blowing...

These are the next two on my list!

Jake "the Snake" story from a wanna be Author

Hey All, I have been writing a book for the last year. I am totally insecure and sheepish when it comes to my writing but I figure I need to take it on a test drive. Here is a sample. Let me know if its gutter trash that way I can crawl up in a hole and cry for a day or two. Otherwise...ENJOY!

"The summer of eighth grade, I embarked on my one and only summer camp experience. Directing one myself, I now see the importance of such an experience, and I’m occasionally caught thinking about my own expectations when I catch the dejected look of one of my current youths. Although much of this camping experience is lost somewhere in the recesses of my memory, a certain experience impacted me in such a way that it has altered the course of my life. Of course, that is the purpose of Christian camping—planting a seed that may take root many years down the road.

As we pulled into camp I was brimming with excitement. Our youth pastor informed us that the featured speaker at Pine Lake was Jake “The Snake” Roberts. As he delivered this news I nearly passed out from an overexposure to awesomeness. Jake “The Snake” Roberts was a former professional wrestler in the World Wrestling Federation.

Growing up in the 80’s there was one man who led the greatest army the world has ever known. He was more powerful than Ronald Reagan; he rocked harder than David Lee Roth, and his moves were smoother than Michael Jackson. His name was Hulk Hogan. That’s right, through the eyes of an eight year old, the 1980’s were dominated by one man: Hulk Hogan. The Robbins boys were Hulkamaniacs. In fact, I am fairly sure that the reason I still kiss my biceps is because of the impact of Hulk Hogan on my life.

The Hulkster was surrounded by a solid supporting cast, which included Hacksaw Jim Duggan, The Junkyard Dog, and Jake “The Snake” Roberts. Jake "The Snake" was famous for knocking his opponents out cold and draping his 10-foot python across their lifeless bodies. His look was classic 1983: curly, wet mullet; a hairy, barrel chest; and a pair of blue tights.

I don’t know that I can adequately explain the excitement that raced through our veins that day at summer camp. Picture a hoard of rowdy boys congregated outside the chapel. As one can imagine this group of boys erupted into a Royal Rumble reenactment. I delivered a forearm shiver and then a chop across the chest in tribute to the “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, “Whooo”. From the top ropes, two feet drove into my chest alla “Superfly” Jimmy Snooka. A pair of twins marched around pumping their fists like the Bushwhackers, WWF Tag Team Champions. We even spent precious commissary on cans of root beer that we chugged without tasting simply to smash the empty cans on our heads in a show of strength.

Consumed with a lethal mixture of testosterone and adrenaline the Chapel doors burst open. Covered head to toe in root beer we wrestled our way to the front. I positioned myself with one goal in mind. As soon as he pulled out that python, I was going to touch it. There are times in life where men must weigh “the cost”. In this case there wasn’t much consideration to be done, sacrificing a hand would be well worth the bragging rights.

The Chaplin made his introduction as I scanned the building looking for "The Snake". Expecting an entrance from the back I strained to survey the double doors behind me. All of a sudden the crowd began to applaud. Looking to my left a man stood up and approached the stage. He introduced himself as Jake Roberts. My heart sank.

"The Snake" had cut his mullet and lost 50 pounds. I grimaced, “Not the mullet Jake…not the mullet.” Instead of blue tights he wore a collared shirt buttoned to the top—not a single chest hair exposed. With every moment that passed my disappointment mounted. Jake made no mention of his battle royal with the "Junk Yard Dog". He uttered not a word about the patriotic "Hacksaw" Jim Duggan. Nor did he tote a bag slithering with a 10-foot python..."