It was another busy weekend at Skipstone......
We had a group of about 70 teenage girls and their leaders here from Challenge NA. They had a very busy weekend and enjoyed some team building and zipline rides on Saturday.
My youngest son and I went to cheer on the Pike County Pirates Friday night as they battled for the Region Championship. Unfortunately, despite leading for most of the game, the Pirates lost 21-14 and finished 2nd in the Region. They did make the playoffs, and will be playing the first ever playoff game hosted by the Pirates in school history next Friday night. Great job guys.... can't wait to have you all back at Skipstone for football camp next year!
We spent all day Saturday working on the apartment for my dad, who will be coming home from Sunbridge this week. We had to cut a door thought the brick and block walls of our basement, which turned out to be a much bigger project than I anticipated, but it's coming along nicely.
I woke up early Sunday morning with a cold (I'm sure it had nothing to do with sitting in the rain for three hours Friday night at the football game!).I coughed my way through LifeGroups and Church, but I was in need of some NyQuil on the way home! It has progressively gotten worse, so I didn't get much done Sunday afternoon, and didn't get much rest last night.
Today we are having both buses serviced in preparation for our "big" field trip of the school year. we will be leaving Thursday morning (very early) for Huntsville, Alabama for an overnight experience at the Space Center there.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
Monday, November 10, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Take A Minute To Thank God For Your Children Today
Just a few thoughts from my quiet time this morning..... I think most of us as parents may be too focused on today, risking the possibility that we will miss the big picture. Our job is not just to get through today, but to raise our children to fulfill God's purpose for them..... and we can't do that on our own!
Here are some things I came across this morning:
"Where will our country find leaders with integrity, courage, strength—all the family values—in ten, twenty, or thirty years? The answer is that you are teaching them, loving them, and raising them right now." --Barbara Bush
Verse(s) of the Day!
Psalm 127 - from The Message
A Pilgrim Song of Solomon
1-2 If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?
3-5 Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep.
Here are some things I came across this morning:
"Where will our country find leaders with integrity, courage, strength—all the family values—in ten, twenty, or thirty years? The answer is that you are teaching them, loving them, and raising them right now." --Barbara Bush
Verse(s) of the Day!
Psalm 127 - from The Message
A Pilgrim Song of Solomon
1-2 If God doesn't build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn't guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves?
3-5 Don't you see that children are God's best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior's fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don't stand a chance against you; you'll sweep them right off your doorstep.
A Spirit Night At Truett's Grill That Won't Be Forgotten!
I'm still feeling a little nauseated this morning from what I saw at Truett's Grill last night. It was Skisptone Academy Spirit Night, and our principal, Randy Freeman had to dress up as whatever the student body voted for, from a list of choices provided to them. The student body voted for a fairy outfit, but Randy drew the line and said "no". The second choice was a "Mrs. Shondi" oufit and here is the outcome of that................
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Christmas At Skipstone - Coming Soon!
Christmas at Skipstone
December 5, 6, 12, 13
6:00-10:00pm
The Marketplace at Skipstone
We will turn the Dining Hall into "The Marketplace" during our Christmas Celebration. Vendors so far are: The Clothesline, Serendipity, Papa Glenn's Woodworking, Creative Expressions, Custom T-shirts and Scholastic Book Fair. We are looking for more vendors. There is no charge to be a vendor, we just ask that vendors donate 10% of sales back to Skipstone. Please let us know asap if you know of someone who would like to be part of "The Marketplace".
Celebration Stage
We are looking for entertainers (singers, dancers, jugglers, magicians) to join us for Christmas at Skipstone on our Celebration Stage. If you know of someone who would be interested, please have them contact us asap. We do not pay entertainers but will gladly provide a table where they can sell promotional items (CDs, t-shirts, etc).
Santa Sumo Competition
We are looking for leaders in our communities (pastors, mayors, youth ministers, politicians, doctors, etc) who would be willing to compete in a Santa Sumo Competition sometime during the event. We have very large sumo wrestler suits and a sumo wrestling ring for this competition. If you know a pastor who would like to "beat up" his youth minister or even 2 local politicians who would like to "duke it out", please contact them and let us know asap. We only have time slots for 3 competitions each night.
Make Your Plans Now!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
New Ministries On The Way At Skipstone!
It's been even busier than usual here at Skipstone these last couple of days! We have been working on our revised budget for next year and doing some planning for next year and beyond.
We are in the process of merging the ministry of Rockbridge in to our Skipstone W.I.L.D.S program. For the last couple of months, we have been meeting with Chip Cofer & Brian Shuler, the founders of Rockbridge. These guys are awesome and God has really gifted them and given them a passion for ministry to men and boys, especially in the adventure setting.
We will be formally introducing these guys soon, but I couldn't wait to at least give everyone a taste of some of the new ministries we will be providing as a result of these guys joining the Skipstone team.
Beginning in January, we will offer an Adventure Club that will provide opportunities for young men 7-12 years of age to meet twice a month at Skipstone for adventures such as rappelling, ziplines , team challenges, special trips, and a time of study and devotion specifically designed for young men. We will be releasing more details about this very soon...... I personally can't wait to get started!
We will be conducting 5 weeks of Rockbridge Day Camps next summer on the campus of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Sandy Springs. The guys from Rockbridge have been providing day camps for several years at Mt. Vernon, and we will be providing additional support and resources to help continue and expand that ministry. They have a beautiful 15 acre low and high ropes challenge course and great facilities. This will allow us to "expand our territory" by providing some opportunities closer to our friends in the Metro Atlanta area.
In 2009 we will become much more intentional in the area of ministry to men. Several USC (Ultimate Sportsman's Challenge) events are being planned that will challenge men in a variety of sports and skill activities in an adventure filled afternoon. Each USC will end with an awards ceremony and a special guest speaker (you won't believe some of the guests we are securing for these!). These "partnership" events will be held at local churches who have a desire to reach out to the men in their communities and begin or strengthen the Men's Ministry of their church.
We will also be launching "BATTLEZONE - An Experience For Fathers & Sons".
The BATTLEZONE events will be weekend retreats where teams of 12 dads and sons sign up to compete against other dad/son teams in amazing challenges and adventures designed to strengthen the unique bond and relationship between dads and sons. We will also be going through a brief but challenging study to help guys identify and be prepared to handle the "battle zones" we each deal with on a regular basis. We are putting the final touches on "BATTLEZONE" and hope to announce our first dates very soon!
I hope that you are excited to hear about where God is leading us into these new areas of ministry. This is really just a taste of all that we are working through right now. God has given us some very clear direction that we are to be much more intentional about the ministry of Skipstone, especially in encouraging and strengthening the family. These new ministries are our first steps towards obedience in to God in this area.
Please continue to keep the Skipstone family in your prayers. It is so exciting to be a part of a ministry that God continues to lead and bless.
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
We are in the process of merging the ministry of Rockbridge in to our Skipstone W.I.L.D.S program. For the last couple of months, we have been meeting with Chip Cofer & Brian Shuler, the founders of Rockbridge. These guys are awesome and God has really gifted them and given them a passion for ministry to men and boys, especially in the adventure setting.
We will be formally introducing these guys soon, but I couldn't wait to at least give everyone a taste of some of the new ministries we will be providing as a result of these guys joining the Skipstone team.
Beginning in January, we will offer an Adventure Club that will provide opportunities for young men 7-12 years of age to meet twice a month at Skipstone for adventures such as rappelling, ziplines , team challenges, special trips, and a time of study and devotion specifically designed for young men. We will be releasing more details about this very soon...... I personally can't wait to get started!
We will be conducting 5 weeks of Rockbridge Day Camps next summer on the campus of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Sandy Springs. The guys from Rockbridge have been providing day camps for several years at Mt. Vernon, and we will be providing additional support and resources to help continue and expand that ministry. They have a beautiful 15 acre low and high ropes challenge course and great facilities. This will allow us to "expand our territory" by providing some opportunities closer to our friends in the Metro Atlanta area.
In 2009 we will become much more intentional in the area of ministry to men. Several USC (Ultimate Sportsman's Challenge) events are being planned that will challenge men in a variety of sports and skill activities in an adventure filled afternoon. Each USC will end with an awards ceremony and a special guest speaker (you won't believe some of the guests we are securing for these!). These "partnership" events will be held at local churches who have a desire to reach out to the men in their communities and begin or strengthen the Men's Ministry of their church.
We will also be launching "BATTLEZONE - An Experience For Fathers & Sons".
The BATTLEZONE events will be weekend retreats where teams of 12 dads and sons sign up to compete against other dad/son teams in amazing challenges and adventures designed to strengthen the unique bond and relationship between dads and sons. We will also be going through a brief but challenging study to help guys identify and be prepared to handle the "battle zones" we each deal with on a regular basis. We are putting the final touches on "BATTLEZONE" and hope to announce our first dates very soon!
I hope that you are excited to hear about where God is leading us into these new areas of ministry. This is really just a taste of all that we are working through right now. God has given us some very clear direction that we are to be much more intentional about the ministry of Skipstone, especially in encouraging and strengthening the family. These new ministries are our first steps towards obedience in to God in this area.
Please continue to keep the Skipstone family in your prayers. It is so exciting to be a part of a ministry that God continues to lead and bless.
Whatever It Takes,
Chip Moody
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Day - Remember This!
It's finally election day. I don't know about you, but I'm glad it will be over! If I see one more political ad I think I'll scream...... it's just been fascinating to watch this election unfold, and see the depths that politicians will go to in order to win our votes. I'm not sure that our country has ever been more divided than we are today, yet every politician promises to bring us all together.
People are crying out for change....... it reminds me of an Old Testament story in I Samuel. I don't spend as much time reading in the Old Testament as I should, but this story came to my mind as I thought about how most of us have approached this election. We all think our choice is the right one, we all think our candidate will be the miracle worker who will fix the world's problems, and we all think _______ (fill in the blank) is who we need.
Take a quick read of the cry of the Israelites from Samuel's day and see what God had to say about choosing a king. America will choose a "king" to rule over us today, but sadly I'm not sure that very many people really understand the weight and consequences of our decision, regardless of who is elected. I wonder what would happen if we prayed about this election as much as we have talked about it or thought about it?
The great news is that no matter who we elect as the next "king"today, he will not be the KING, only a king. As I mentioned several weeks ago in my blog the winner of today's election will not be a surprise to God in heaven. I can assure everyone that God and His angels won't be gathered around watching and biting their nails as the results come in on the major networks tonight. God will still be in control - Proverbs 21:1 "The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers". - CEV
I Samuel 8:1-21
1 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges for Israel. 2 The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. 3 But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.
4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, "You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead [a] us, such as all the other nations have."
6 But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do."
10 Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. 11 He said, "This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. 12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 16 Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle [b] and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day."
19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."
21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king." Then Samuel said to the men of Israel, "Everyone go back to his town."
Pray Then Vote!
Chip Moody
People are crying out for change....... it reminds me of an Old Testament story in I Samuel. I don't spend as much time reading in the Old Testament as I should, but this story came to my mind as I thought about how most of us have approached this election. We all think our choice is the right one, we all think our candidate will be the miracle worker who will fix the world's problems, and we all think _______ (fill in the blank) is who we need.
Take a quick read of the cry of the Israelites from Samuel's day and see what God had to say about choosing a king. America will choose a "king" to rule over us today, but sadly I'm not sure that very many people really understand the weight and consequences of our decision, regardless of who is elected. I wonder what would happen if we prayed about this election as much as we have talked about it or thought about it?
The great news is that no matter who we elect as the next "king"today, he will not be the KING, only a king. As I mentioned several weeks ago in my blog the winner of today's election will not be a surprise to God in heaven. I can assure everyone that God and His angels won't be gathered around watching and biting their nails as the results come in on the major networks tonight. God will still be in control - Proverbs 21:1 "The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers". - CEV
I Samuel 8:1-21
1 When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges for Israel. 2 The name of his firstborn was Joel and the name of his second was Abijah, and they served at Beersheba. 3 But his sons did not walk in his ways. They turned aside after dishonest gain and accepted bribes and perverted justice.
4 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 5 They said to him, "You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead [a] us, such as all the other nations have."
6 But when they said, "Give us a king to lead us," this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. 7 And the LORD told him: "Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. 9 Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do."
10 Samuel told all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. 11 He said, "This is what the king who will reign over you will do: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. 12 Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. 14 He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. 16 Your menservants and maidservants and the best of your cattle [b] and donkeys he will take for his own use. 17 He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. 18 When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, and the LORD will not answer you in that day."
19 But the people refused to listen to Samuel. "No!" they said. "We want a king over us. 20 Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles."
21 When Samuel heard all that the people said, he repeated it before the LORD. 22 The LORD answered, "Listen to them and give them a king." Then Samuel said to the men of Israel, "Everyone go back to his town."
Pray Then Vote!
Chip Moody
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Weekend in Review!
Wow... what a weekend! It's Sunday night and I'm reviewing the weekend because it all went by so fast that I didn't have time to blog it!
Shondi and the kids headed out Friday after school for the Skipstone Academy Black & Gold Masquerade Party at the Pierces home. They had a good crowd and a great time...thanks Dwight & Robin for letting the middle and high schoolers invade your home.... I'm sure it will never be the same!
I went down to Barnesville to join my two radio DJ uncles for a live broadcast of the Pike County Pirates football game against Lamar County High Friday night. It was pretty cool to see the game from atop the press box and I even got a little air time on Fun 101 FM for Skipstone. The Pirates did their preseason camp here and have since gone to a school record 9-0! Next up: Callaway High School next weekend!
We welcomed a great group of singles from Intown Community Church of Atlanta for a weekend retreat at Skipstone. Shondi and I actually did some team building with the group on Saturday and had a blast. Since many of our weekend groups are teenagers and and our academy students are all kids and teens, it was kind of unusual (and pretty cool) to get to work with some young adults.... the challenges worked great and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.
Today was super busy...
After enjoying our extra hour of sleep, we headed to church and then lunch at Chili's (my favorite if anyone is thinking of gift cards for Christmas!).
After lunch, we rushed home to continue some rearranging of the Moody household to accommodate the construction of an apartment in our home for my dad. He will be coming out of physical therapy and rehab soon. Please pray for us (and dad) as we make the this transition.
We were back at church from 4:30pm to 7:30pm and then here to the chapel at Skipstone for praise band practice for our kids. I must admit it does a dad's heart a lot of good to sit here blogging while my kids are praising God with their instruments and voices in the background. They must have gotten their talent from me because I don't have any and they all do :)
While I'm thankful for the extra hour of sleep last night, I'm suddenly feeling like it's bedtime, but it's really only 9:00pm. I think my body likes the old time better!
Please keep our friends, Casting Crowns, in prayer this week as they continue to minister in Europe. I read on Mark Hall's blog that he has had some voice trouble while on the tour the last couple of days. These guys (and girls) are the real deal.... just great people that God has really brought forth in a big way to be used for His glory to reach and encourage people.
Have a great week!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip
Shondi and the kids headed out Friday after school for the Skipstone Academy Black & Gold Masquerade Party at the Pierces home. They had a good crowd and a great time...thanks Dwight & Robin for letting the middle and high schoolers invade your home.... I'm sure it will never be the same!
I went down to Barnesville to join my two radio DJ uncles for a live broadcast of the Pike County Pirates football game against Lamar County High Friday night. It was pretty cool to see the game from atop the press box and I even got a little air time on Fun 101 FM for Skipstone. The Pirates did their preseason camp here and have since gone to a school record 9-0! Next up: Callaway High School next weekend!
We welcomed a great group of singles from Intown Community Church of Atlanta for a weekend retreat at Skipstone. Shondi and I actually did some team building with the group on Saturday and had a blast. Since many of our weekend groups are teenagers and and our academy students are all kids and teens, it was kind of unusual (and pretty cool) to get to work with some young adults.... the challenges worked great and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.
Today was super busy...
After enjoying our extra hour of sleep, we headed to church and then lunch at Chili's (my favorite if anyone is thinking of gift cards for Christmas!).
After lunch, we rushed home to continue some rearranging of the Moody household to accommodate the construction of an apartment in our home for my dad. He will be coming out of physical therapy and rehab soon. Please pray for us (and dad) as we make the this transition.
We were back at church from 4:30pm to 7:30pm and then here to the chapel at Skipstone for praise band practice for our kids. I must admit it does a dad's heart a lot of good to sit here blogging while my kids are praising God with their instruments and voices in the background. They must have gotten their talent from me because I don't have any and they all do :)
While I'm thankful for the extra hour of sleep last night, I'm suddenly feeling like it's bedtime, but it's really only 9:00pm. I think my body likes the old time better!
Please keep our friends, Casting Crowns, in prayer this week as they continue to minister in Europe. I read on Mark Hall's blog that he has had some voice trouble while on the tour the last couple of days. These guys (and girls) are the real deal.... just great people that God has really brought forth in a big way to be used for His glory to reach and encourage people.
Have a great week!
Whatever It Takes,
Chip
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