JCISONLINE – Resources for Tween and Preteen Ministry

Man I’ve been away from blogging for awhile and I just straight up miss it. We’ve been having a lot going on with Preteen Ministry. But none of that compares to the busyness of preparing for a baby boy!!

We found out a few weeks ago that we were going to be having a boy sometime around May 25th of this year. We are so stinkin pumped about it!! His name is Cannon Thompson, haven’t decided on a middle name yet. Maybe Joseph or Andrew. He’s definitely a blast and full of energy already.

God is already telling an interesting story through him as well. I can’t wait to share some of that story with you later.

Wanted you guys to know that I didn’t fall off a cliff while meditating, just been super busy.

Any advice for a dad-to-be? And what about the middle name, anything have a ring to it?

I still have such a long way to go....

Tomorrow I turn 25 years old. I’m psyched, scared, nervous, and freaked out. To you, 25 may seem like life is just beginning. To me, 25 is another reminder that I am going to die one day. I want to make a huge difference for the kingdom of Christ, for people and for my family. But I have learned a ton from some incredible people. Here are 25 lessons that I’ve learned in my life, broken down by 3 sections of my life: Continue Reading…

Yeah that’s some great photography!!! One of the things that was noted in my reader survey was that I don’t talk enough about me and my family. A few people wanted to see some more pictures. That has always been in the back of my mind and not only that, but my wife loves, loves, loves pictures. So it worked out perfect when one of our friends told us that she wanted to take some pictures of us and she had a killer location!!

So the above picture is one of those shots!! Ruth Russell took them and set them up and told us what to do and made us smile!! She’s so good!!! Anyway, I’m trying to get her website going, but if you are looking for pictures for an event or just some family pictures, then shoot her a message on FB or shoot her an email at rrussell718 [at] hotmail.com

Here are some more pics to whet your appetite:

Our Happy Family

Yeah, that's my wife

So you should definitely check her out!! But look for some new pics all over the place!!! What do you think of the pics?

So my birthday is next Friday. and I’ve got a few big things that I want. I’ve gotten my big birthday present already (a giant gas grill ), but if I don’t make a list of what I like then it won’t be a goal for me. So here are five big gifts that I want to have. Also these are like BHAG, (big, hairy, audacious gifts) that will take some time for me to make happen.

1. Canon EOS 7D kit I want this Canon 7D because, I am looking for a DSLR that has video capability and Chris Brank has totally sold me on this camera.
2. Apple iPad 2 - We have a few iPads in our Preteen Ministry . They are an incredible tool and with Lion coming out, they are going to be more and more useful.
3. Macbook Pro My wife has been wanting this for awhile and I really want her to have one. The 13″ would be perfect for her and our home
4. 37-Inch Full HD 1080P LED LCD HDTV with VIA Internet Application - we are looking for another tv for our home. I really love vizio and this would be perfect
5. Amazon wish list I have another larger one here too: Big Wish List I love reading and books. I can always use more books

So it’s almost totally official. But after thinking about this every year since I graduated from the University of Memphis. I am finally going back to school. I will be pursuing an M. Div degree from Liberty’s online seminary.

I’m so pumped and afraid, because it’s not like we can necessarily afford some more debt after the house we just bought and my wife’s car…. So please join us in praying for some money for school. I honestly thought of starting some sort of fundraising thing through the blog, but I thought it would be a little cheesy. But I’ve also had some people tell me that you don’t have because you don’t ask. So maybe later…. Anyway I really do ask that you pray for some funding to come in and that it will ease the financial burden on us. And obviously that we (I) don’t become afraid and back out, because of the risk that it will put on my wife and myself financially. Seriously pray for us.

This will be my first biblically based degree. I’m a student developed through the church and because of that and reading a ton, I have a pretty good framework for the Bible. But I want to become stronger in this area and ultimately by going further in my education, I feel that it will benefit our family in the long run.

So do you have any advice for someone going after an M. Div or just someone going back to school after not having been in a long time.

If I can just take this time to be honest and just tell you that May sucked out loud for the Thompsons. Yeah we had our 3 year anniversary and it was awesome and we made some fun memories. But sometimes all you wanna do is just say peace out month.

So May 2011, peace! Bring on June!!

Hey this has been the most incredibly crazy week of my entire life. Cards and Phone stolen, family stuff, and so busy at work and today I can say that I am just ready to have some fun. My wife Kristen and I will be celebrating our 3rd year of marriage tonight at a wonderful seafood restaurant in town.

My wife and I have been together for almost 7 years and today marks year number 3 in marriage. I feel that this year is going to be our most difficult, but yet incredibly amazing year that we have ever seen as a couple. I cannot wait to travel it with my best friend.

Kristen I am so happy to have chosen you as the one to spend my life with, apart from my commitment to Christ, you are the best decision that I have ever made. You are strong, passionate, and lovely and one day I hope our children grab those qualities from you. I love you and can’t wait for tonight and the rest of our life to come.