The 180 Blog

Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot

1. 180 NEWS

High School Winter Youth


It's not too late! If you have not yet registered for Winter Youth, there is still time. The registration deadline has been extended until this Wednesday (12/19). Don't miss out on this great opportunity! See Pastor Aaron for details.




Christmas Parties

They're happening this week and you won't want to miss yours!

High Schoolers join us Wednesday night from 7:00 to 8:30.


Middle Schoolers join us Thursday night from 7:00 to 8:30


Be sure to bring a White Elephant gift. What is a White Elephant gift you ask? It's any goofy thing you have that you would like to wrap up and bring. If you feel you need to purchase something, please do not spend more than $5.

See pictures of last year's MS Christmas party here.
See pictures of last year's HS Christmas party here.

Snow Fun

We know what your thinking, "Why would I want to go to an event that's no fun?" (Say it out loud.) We would say to you ... "Because you love the snow!" And how much more fun does the snow get than snowboarding, skiing, tubing, and drinking hot chocolate at Skibowl with your friends?


So what do you need to know?
Date - January 21, 2008
Your reservation is due by SUNDAY, January 6, 2008


Ski/Snowboard (8am - 8pm)
$35 - 13 years or older and NOT renting
$60 - 13 years or older and renting
$20 - 12 years or younger and NOT renting
$37 - 12 years or younger and renting

Tubing (8am - 4pm)
$24 (Includes lunch!)

Check out 180students.com/flyers for all your info!

See pictures of last year's Snow Fun here.

2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign:
The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. [Isaiah 7:14]

JESUS was born twice. He had his birth in the history of the world--the moment when God decided to become one of us. Jesus didn't grow to become God, just the opposite. God became a man. Jesus is God in flesh and bone. Centuries ago in a lonely place, a young girl brought God into this world. Everything that happens in this world is affected by that moment.

Jesus is born a second time when we say, "I want to be a disciple." Jesus becomes a living part of us. He's part of our thinking, our loving, our breathing, and our doing. We're one with Jesus, who is one with God, who is one with us. We're here to show the world the light that lives in us.

[OZsays:] He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate, God coming into human flesh, coming into it from outside. His life is the Highest and the Holiest entering in at the Lowliest door. Our Lord's birth was an advent. The characteristic of the new birth is that I yield myself so completely to God that Christ is formed in me. Immediately Christ is formed in me, His nature begins to work through me.

JUST BETWEEN YOU AND GOD
Show off your Christmas gift-Jesus-inside you. Allow him to continue his work with your ears, your eyes, your hands, your feet, your mouth, and your heart.

UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN.
INTO US A CHILD IS BORN.
BELIEVE.

**

Taken from "Everything Counts" by Steve Case, copyright 2003, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission.

3. SURF REPORT

~ Christmas Tree Light-Up: A game that might just keep you busy until Christmas!

~ Christmas Story Word Search: Keep your brain working over Christmas break...

4. BIRTHDAYS

We've got one birthday shout out this week and it goes out to Eli Shipley! HAPPY birthday Eli!

5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Call this a caffeinated Christmas tree!

6. FORGETTABLE FACT

Stilts were invented by French shepherds who needed a way to get around in wet marshes.

7. POTENT QUOTABLES

"He was created of a mother whom He created. He was carried by hands that He formed. He cried in the manger in wordless infancy, He the Word, without whom all human eloquence is mute."
- Augustine

"It is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself."
- Charles Dickens

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Each daily reading in "Everything Counts" plunges head first into God's Word--not watered-down stuff, but real truth with real impact. On every page, you'll find something to think about and something to do--the kind of stuff that rattles your cage and gets you living what you believe.

Learn more and purchase "Everything Counts" here.

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Go here to find a Christian bookstore near you.

=================================

8. PARTING SHOT

If a cow laughed, would milk come out her nose?

Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Video of The Week
6. Forgettable Fact
7. Potent Quotables
8. Parting Shot

1. 180 NEWS

Snow Fun

We know what your thinking, "Why would I want to go to an event that's no fun?" (Say it out loud.) We would say to you ... "Because you love the snow!" And how much more fun does the snow get than snowboarding, skiing, tubing, and drinking hot chocolate at Skibowl with your friends?


So what do you need to know?
Date - January 21, 2008
Your reservation is due by January 6, 2008


Ski/Snowboard (8am - 8pm)
$35 - 13 years or older and NOT renting
$60 - 13 years or older and renting
$20 - 12 years or younger and NOT renting
$37 - 12 years or younger and renting

Tubing (8am - 4pm)
$24 (Includes lunch!)

Check out 180students.com/flyers for all your info!

See pictures of last year's Snow Fun here.


Christmas Gifts For Our Neighbors



This Wednesday is the final day to bring gifts for our gift drive for Bridgetown Ministries and Ensenada, Mexico (through missionaries Tim & Kathy Johnston).





Portland
Bring new toys for children from newborns through 12 years of age.

Mexico
Items you can give:
•Small toys
•Crayons
•School supplies
•Candy
•Fun soap or shampoo

Please make sure that toys are for children from newborns through 14 years of age.

All gifts need to be delivered unwrapped to the Youth Center by Wednesday. December 12.


2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

JESUS AND HIS PARENTS

You've probably heard the story of Jesus, when he was just about your age, hanging out in the temple (the main place of worship for Jews in Jerusalem) and freaking out his parents. Just about everyone who reads or hears that story tightens up shoulder muscles and feels the pain of the situation. Parents feel the frustration of Jesus' parents, and teenagers feel Jesus' frustration, thinking, I would be in so much trouble if I did that!

Real quick, in case you're not familiar with the story: Jesus' family took this minor trek to Jerusalem for a big-time Jewish religious holiday (kind of like going to Grandma's house, two or three days away, for Easter)--except in this case, the location was the whole point. Jerusalem was considered the most holy place for all Jews--so much so that God actually lived in the part of the temple called "the holy of holies."

Anyhow, young Jesus was somewhere in the process of learning and growing, just like you are. It's not clear to us, but he was probably just starting to fully understand who he was--the Son of God and all that! The temple had some of the wisest and smartest Rabbis (Jewish teachers, kind of like our pastors and ministers). Jesus somehow wandered off from his parents and got into a multi-day conversation about God-stuff with a group of Rabbis. All this while his parents and their traveling companions were headed home, thinking Jesus was with them.

When his parents found out he wasn't with them, they rushed back to Jerusalem and found him. His mom laid into him: "Why would you do that to us?!" To which Jesus gave the answer that causes the flinch we talked about. He says, calmly, "Why would you be looking for me anywhere else? Didn't you know I would be in my Father's house?" Okay, so, yeah, God is his real Father and all. But, wow! Duuuude! Harsh!

Here's something we can learn from this: Even Jesus got frustrated with his parents! And even the parents of Jesus got frustrated with him! So, really, if the God of the universe (that would be Jesus) got frustrated with his parents, maybe it shouldn't surprise you that you will also. And if the earthly parents of Jesus got frustrated with him, well, of course your parents will with you.

Just remember: Keep talking, honor, respect, forgive.

**

Taken from "My Family" by Kurt Johnston and Mark Oestreicher, copyright 2007, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission.

3. SURF REPORT

~ Homemade Christmas Gift Ideas: For those of you who are broke, but still want to be merry...

~ Simon Online Game: It's a throwback to the 80s, but it'll help improve your memory!

4. BIRTHDAYS

We've got two birthday shout outs this week. HAPPY birthday and Tashayla Ranney and Kyle Teach. We hope you two have terrific birthdays!

5. VIDEO OF THE WEEK

More crazy Christmas lights!



6. FORGETTABLE FACT

25 percent of your bones are located in your feet.

7. POTENT QUOTABLES

"Let there be kindness in your face, in your eyes, in your smile, in the warmth of your greeting...Don't only give your care, but give your heart as well."
- Mother Teresa

"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."
- Henry Drummond

===========our|sponsor===========

YOU CAN HELP MAKE YOUR FAMILY BETTER
Everything is changing. When you're in middle school, your body, your emotions, your school, and maybe even your friends are different, which can feel crazy at times. Now your parents and siblings are trying to figure out why you're different, and you wish they could understand you!

It's okay. This is normal! As you move towards becoming an adult, you and your parents will have to work together to make it smooth transition. In "My Family" you'll get all kinds of secrets and tips that will help you be a better son or daughter, brother or sister, and show you how you can help to make your family even better.

Learn more and purchase "My Family" here.

Also available in your local Christian bookstore.

Go here to find a Christian bookstore near you.

=================================

8. PARTING SHOT

The one who says it cannot be done should never interrupt the one who is doing it.

Contents
1. 180 News
2. Something for Your Heart
3. Surf Report
4. Birthdays
5. Forgettable Fact
6. Potent Quotables
7. Parting Shot

1. 180 NEWS

Winter Calendar




Our Winter calendar is now out! Pick one up this week at the Info Table or download one here, or just click on the calendar image on the left.

Lots of great things happening. Don't miss any of it!





Christmas Gifts For Our Neighbors


Christmas is coming! We have an opportunity to be a light to the world this Christmas by sharing presents with those who can't afford them. We have two great ways you can give gifts this year. Consider giving to children both in Portland (through Bridgetown Ministries) and Ensenada, Mexico (through missionaries Tim & Kathy Johnston).


Portland
Bring new toys for children from newborns through 12 years of age.

Mexico
Items you can give:
•Small toys
•Crayons
•School supplies
•Candy
•Fun soap or shampoo

Please make sure that toys are for children from newborns through 14 years of age.

All gifts need to be delivered unwrapped to the Youth Center by Wednesday. December 12.

MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC


We have just updated our CD Library with all kinds of new music. Check it out today and find new music by Steven Curtis Chapman, David Crowder Band, Everyday Sunday, Falling Up, Kids In The Way, L.A. Symphony, Mercy Me, and Thousand Foot Krutch

Please remember CDs may be checked out for a period of one week and my not be duplicated in any form.




2. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

STEP 3: EVALUATE YOUR MOTIVES
Proverbs 12:15 says, "The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice."

Motives are tricky. They're often deceptive and difficult to uncover. Ten people can do the same thing, but they might do it for ten different reasons. Yet motives are tremendously important. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus encouraged his followers to pray, fast, and give-but not so that anyone else would know they were doing those good things (see Matthew 6:1-18). He knew that too often we do things--even good things--for selfish reasons.

Human beings are masters at rationalization. A song from a few years ago tried to rationalize a person's desire for sex with these words: "How can love be wrong when it feels so right?" We often assume something is right just because we want to do it. But that attitude is no different from animal instinct. We just have prettier words to describe it, such as passion and romance and desire.

Some people think they can get away with anything as long as they attach God to it. I've talked to teenagers who tried to tell me, "I know God wanted me to have sex."

So I asked, "How do you know that?"

"I just know," came the reply.

Sometimes reason takes a backseat to raw selfishness. I've talked to young people who've stolen things, and when they were caught, they came up with this brilliant explanation: "I needed it more than he did." That's deep.

All of our decisions seem right to us initially. It's only later that we realize just how stupid or short-sighted they really were. What's more, many of us are masters at twisting words to make our actions sound reasonable. If you're uncertain about your motives for making a certain decision, ask yourself these questions:

* How strongly do I feel about one solution over another?

* Am I so biased toward one decision that I'm not open to other ideas?

* Do I know deep inside that my desire is wrong?

While it's difficult to uncover every bias, it's good to force yourself to think about some of the ways in which you're influenced. If you're not sure how strong your biases are, answer the following questions:

1. Do you typically favor one political party? If so, then in just one sentence, explain why.

2. Are there people in your life whose side you'd take even if they're wrong?

3. List the five worst sins a person can commit.

4. What quality do you admire most in people?

5. Why do you dress in the style you do? With what look do you identify the most?

6. Which is more important to you: finishing a task or interacting with someone?

7. Do you typically prepare in advance or do you wait until the last minute?

8. If you're supposed to meet someone, how late can the person be before you get annoyed with her?

9. What kinds of people make you cringe inside?

10. What do you think about people from other ethnic backgrounds?

11. Which groups do you admire and which do you not respect? Explain your attitude in one sentence.

Once you answer these questions, you'll find that you definitely have opinions on some matters--sometimes strong, emotionally driven opinions. Take a moment to reflect on how that might bias you in a given situation.

**

Taken from "Wisdom On... Making Good Decisions" by Mark Matlock, copyright 2008, Zondervan/Youth Specialties. Used by permission. Release date January 2008.


3. SURF REPORT
~ Free Rice: Play this simple game and donate rice to hungry people while you improve your vocabulary.

~ Operation Christmas Child: Help those who are less fortunate this holiday season.

~ Win A 180-Tshirt: Share with us what you are looking forward to the most about Christmas and you just might win a shirt!

4. BIRTHDAYS

We've got two birthdays this week! We want to wish both Trevor McCracken and Chris Pierce the happiest of birthdays!

5. FORGETTABLE FACT

In 1845 Boston had an ordinance banning bathing unless you had a doctor's prescription.

6. POTENT QUOTABLES

"In the Kingdom of God, service is not a stepping-stone to nobility: it is nobility, the only kind of nobility that is recognized."
- T.W. Manson

"It is a contradiction to be a true Christian and not humble."
- Richard Baxter

===========our|sponsor===========

DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID!

Making decisions can be as simple as choosing the topping on your pizza, or as daunting as choosing your college. Find out how having wisdom can help you with any decision you face.

This month's devo comes from "Wisdom On...Making Good Decisions" which is part of the new "Wisdom On..." series. The "Wisdom On..." series is designed to help you apply biblical wisdom to your everyday life. You'll find case studies, personal inventories, interactive activities, and helpful insights from the book of Proverbs, which will show you what wise living looks like.

The first two books in the series release January 2008. You can preorder today here.

Also available in your local Christian bookstore next month.

Click here and find a Christian bookstore near you:

=================================

7. PARTING SHOT

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.