Snowcones and Goal-setting

Another great evening of fellowship with Genesis Youth Group at FUMC Joshua and a special trip to the local snowcone stand. Everyone "chillaxed" with a Hawaiian shaved ice and some really funky flavors, including the California Surfer (pineapple and coconut), Tiger's Blood (that just sounds gross), homemade vanilla ice cream (yum), wedding cake (hmmm?) and pina colada (non-alcoholic, of course!). Nicole ventured outside her comfort zone and added a splash of cherry to her banana snowcone. She's getting adventurous!!!!!!

What's your favorite snowcone flavor?

Tonight's lesson and discussion focused on goal-setting. Youth created a time-capsule of sorts by responding to three very though-provoking questions:

1. Three goals I have for this year are:
2. I will accomplish these goals by:
3. Where does God fit into my goals?

After writing their responses to these questions on a notecard, they signed and sealed the envelope and will open the cards August 8, 2011 - one year from today. It will be fun to see where we are in a year and what goals we've accomplished.

Scripture Lesson

James 4: 13-16 - Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money," Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (NIV)

It is good to have goals, but goals will disappoint us if we leave God out of them. There is no point in making plans as though God does not exist, because the future is in his hands. What would you like to be doing ten years from now? One year from now? Tomorrow? How will you react if God steps in and rearranges your plans? Plan ahead, but hold your plans loosely. Put God's desires at the center of your planning, he will never disappoint you.

What are your goals? Do you have plans for the future? Where does God fit into your plan?

Please respond by leaving a comment. Our next gathering for fun and fellowship is Wednesday, August 11 at 6:00 pm. Also, if you would like to donate money towards the purchase of school supplies, give your donation to Nicole by Wednesday. She's matching the amount raised!!!

Blessings,
Your Youth Director