Rules for Being Creative

You’re creative. Some of you want to be a musician and that’s awesome. Others of you want to be a writer, actor, artist, or maybe a magician. That’s awesome too. Some of you want to be a serial killer and THAT’S NOT AWESOME.

You daydream. You have your Oscar acceptance speech already prepared. You’ve practiced your interview for the Tonight Show when Jimmy Fallon asks you about your new “project” (I used to do this all the time). You doodle in class, sing in the shower, perform stand-up at dinner.

For most of us the problem isn’t that we don’t know what we want to become. “What do you want to be when you grow up?” We’ve got our answer locked down. We know where we are, and we know where we want to be, but we have no idea how to get there.

This is where I was stuck my senior in high school. I wanted to be a stand-up comedian but I had no idea how someone becomes a stand-up comedian. I searched everywhere for a step by step breakdown of what I needed to do to “make it,” but that doesn’t exist. There’s no book or website that says “start doing this, then go here, find this kind of person and say this, then start trying this, and then you’ll be famous.” Nope. There’s no set path. I can’t copy someone else’s story.

If you’re a singer trying to make a name for yourself you can’t just watch that Katy Perry documentary, Katy Perry: Part of Me (which may or may not have made me cry), and say “ok. I’ll just do that. I’ll just do exactly what Katy Perry did.” That won’t work. You’ve got to go your own way.

Even though I can’t give you a precise step by step process to find your creative fulfillment, I can share with you some rules for creativity that I made up…I mean….discovered….through hard work.

RULES FOR BEING CREATIVE

1.Just do it.

You want to make music? Go make music! You want to write a book? Write a book! You want to murder someone? NO! DON’T DO THAT!

You don’t have to wait until you’re out of high school or college. You don’t have to wait for someone to give you permission or tell you it's a good idea. Just start. Today.

We live in an incredible time. You have more technological capabilities in your phone than The Beatles ever had when recording their albums. You want to write a book? You can self publish. Want to make a short film? Share it with the world on Youtube. Want to write and perform a play? Grab some friends and rent out a space in your city. It’s easy. There’s so much potential at your finger tips. All you have to do is reach out!

2. Stay off social media

It's a horrible distraction that will ruin everything and suck away all your time.

3. There are no rules

4. There are a few rules.

10.Huh?

What was I saying? Sorry. I was just checking Facebook. IT'S BEEN 5 HOURS?! How was I on my phone that long?! I need to go to bed!!!

11. You see? Don't get distracted.

12. Make a lot of terrible garbage at first

This isn’t my rule. This is advice from Ira Glass, the host of This American Life. Watch this video and be inspired.

13. No idea is too dumb to try.

14. Balloon animals are really hard. Avoid working with them.

16. Always skip the number 15

It's the true unlucky number. You know how everyone 13 is unlucky? Well, 15 is the one who started that rumor. You all fell right into his little trap. 15 is a horrible and unlucky monster. That's why all 15 year olds are meanest kids you'll ever meet. SKIP 15!

17. This was my lucky number growing up.

18. For real, just do it!

Why are you still reading this? Go write or paint or sing or act or take a shower. You haven’t showered in several days and you’re starting to smell. You’re mom paid me $10 to put this in my post. Go shower and then you can go work on your creative pursuit. Close the gap. Don’t get distracted. You don’t need anyone’s permission. Chase after who you want to be. You can’t copy someone else’s path so it’s time to start making your own.

19. Give me a shout out when you become famous

Please?

Check out this other source for inspiration.

What inspires you when you're trying to be creative? Share in the comments.

Clickbait is Dumb & Christians Should STAHP

I’m tired of blogging and here’s why.

Oh, that’s a good title for a blog. I should remember that. Yeah. That’s one of the unique and recent challenges of this form of writing.

-You have to come up with an interesting topic.

-You have to have an individual voice that doesn’t sound like everyone else on the internet.

-There needs to be worth while content that can be beneficial or something. It can’t be shallow, useless garbage.

-AND THEN you have to come up with a truly INSANE title that is going to freak people out enough to click the link.

You’re on Facebook. You’re creeping on that ex-girlfriend or “hate reading” a dumb Facebook debate on gun control or atheism. Suddenly, a link with a BIZARRE blog title shows up in your feed.

WHY EVERY CHRISTIAN GIRL SHOULD MARRY A GUY LIKE HITLER

You go “WHAAAAAAAA?!” Perfectly reasonable reaction. You click the link because of course you’ll click the link. You’ve got to check this thing out! “That CAN’’T be what the author means. What are they talking about?!” Half way through you find out what they’re really trying to say and it’s usually something obvious and dumb. “Women shouldn’t marry Hitler. They should be careful who they date.” Oh. Ok. Duh. Thanks.

IT’S A TRAP! Apparently it’s called “clickbait” and it’s exhausting. I like writing on the internet but I probably can’t be successful because I’m not very good at creating clickbait. I mean, I can come up with some dumb blog titles but I don’t know what kind of blog would go with it.

SEVEN REASONS WE BELIEVE SCOOBY DOO IS A RACIST

FIND OUT WHY KISSING DEAD ANIMALS IS REALLY REALLY FUN

WHAT PRESIDENT OBAMA DOESN’T WANT YOU TO KNOW ABOUT THE DISNEY CHANNEL

You’d click those, right?

Clickbait is manipulation. I totally get that. But I still fall for it all the time! There’s the “What Happens Next Will Shock You!” trend in titles that I can’t resist! I need to know what happens next and why it will shock me.

THIS CAT ATE A BAG OF COCAINE. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT WILL WARM YOUR HEART

What?! I need to see that! How can my heart be warmed by a drugged out kitty?!?!!

I once wrote a blog about youth ministry and attached a photo of a keg stand because it was referencing something in the blah blah blah. Who cares. A LOT of people checked that post out. A lot more than usual. I think it was, like, 5 people. Just kidding. It was 5 million! Kidding again. The point is most of them weren’t reading because they were interested in what I had to say. They just wanted to make sure I wasn’t an idiot saying youth ministry is all about getting drunk. WOOP WOOP!

It’s so tempting to be a part of the trend. If it ain’t broke why fix it? But it IS broken. It’s dumb. We shouldn’t have to trick people into reading! Reading is so important. Don’t believe me? Check out this scholarly article on 10 Benefits to Reading on best-books-for-kids.com. Pretty good benefits, aren’t they? On top of that, apparently reading can be prescribed by doctors to fight depression.

There are so many great/smart/entertaining/unique voices on the internet who aren’t trying to trick us. Can we give our attention to them instead of these clickbait masters? Like, Christ and Pop Culture. That’s a website I find myself at all the time. It’s interesting and thought provoking and distracts me in the bathroom after I eat two quesaritos at Taco Bell AKA THE WORST DECISION OF MY LIFE!

When we fall for clickbait like

FIND OUT WHY I'M A PASTOR WHO LOVES SMOKING METH

we read it quickly because “what in the world?” and then never think about it again. We don’t care about who wrote it. We don’t care about anything else they’ve written. We’re not going back next week to see if they have any other interesting thoughts.

What I’m trying to say is I’d really like it if you subscribed to my blog. Because clickbait is dumb and I’m TERRIBLE at it! 

WHY JESUS DOESN’T WANT WOMEN TO SHAVE THEIR LEGS

Start a summer reading list. Get a couple of book recommendations from friends but also add a few websites on there you’ll check out once a week. Reading is so important. I'm no scientist but I'm sure if we spent thirty minutes away focusing on reading a new article, novel, research, or humorous essay, instead of on social media, we'd see some positive effects. Our brains would grow like the Grinch's heart. Our conversations would be richer in content. We might seek out new and exciting experiences like the ones we've been reading about. Like joining the Hunger Games.

Reading can give you so much but it can also help take away. It's a wonderful distraction. Take a break! Relax! You’re stressed, you’re busy, you’re pregnant (surprise!). You could use a nice read.

It might sound like I'm exaggerating but I'm really not. That summer reading list could do a lot of good. And since it was my idea, why not put this site on the top of that list? PLEASE?!?!?!

I’ve split my site in two. There’s a section for everyone and section for pastors. There are two different blogs for the different audiences. For Pastors I have any and all ministry related writings. That’s also where you’ll find my new ebook on youth ministry. Here you’ll find some humor, devotionals, or embarrassing stories that anyone can enjoy. 

Over on the right of this page you can find a place to plug in your e-mail address to subscribe. That way you’ll get an e-mail notification every time there’s a new post.

What are some books, magazines, or websites you want to read this summer? Post YOUR summer reading list in the comments.

Salvation and Smoked Sausage

I hate smoked sausage.

I want to tell you that right now because apparently it’s the hardest fact in the world to remember. At least it is for my parents. Smoked sausage was always for dinner even though it’s gross and dumb.

The routine was always the same:

I enter the kitchen, ask “what’s for dinner,” and see the awful things cooking before hearing the answer.

I remind my parents about “how much not good” smoked sausage was and is and always will be. Amen.

My parents, Barbara and Tomato Johnson (not their real names) would apologize. “Just eat it tonight and we won’t cook it when you’re home again.” Cool cool cool. I’d plug my nose and shovel in a few bites. Done. No more smoked sausage for a lifetime. Good riddance.

A week goes by. “What’s for dinner?” SMOKED SAUSAGE?! AGAIN?! WHAT?! WHAT HAPPENED?! I THOUGHT I’D NEVER SEE YOU AGAIN! Taylor’s parents, William and Angelina (also not their real names) would look at him with such confusion. “What do you mean you don’t like smoked sausage?” It was like last week never happened. I questioned whether my parents even listened to me…or maybe I’m a ghost.

Once again I’d force down a few pieces and run upstairs to cry and write in my diary (exaggeration).

When I was a kid and smoked sausage was on the menu I had to find out what exactly was required of me. I asked the question all kids ask: “How many bites?” What is the exact amount needed in order to be done with this?

Focusing on the minimum requirement is a sign you’re not really invested in what you’re doing. Obviously I never had to ask that question on pizza night or burger night or taco night. Why? Because those foods are awesome! I’d lose count of my bites. There’s no fear of not meeting the minimum with pizza. Pizza is the best.

Let’s replace “bites” with “works” and examine our Christian walk. It’s not about shoveling down this and that so you get to go to Heaven when you reach the end. You will never earn salvation. We are fallen, broken, sinful people who couldn’t stomach what it takes. Jesus did it for us.

When we feel like we’re lacking in our Christian walk some times we think we need to force in some more bites. “If I can get ten more down I’ll be good.” This is dangerous especially when you start comparing your plate to others.

Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for this very reason.

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate but the inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and the plate, that the outside also may be clean.” (Matthew 23:25-26)

Here’s another way we can say that:

Our Christian walk is not counting the bites. It’s falling in love with the meal. It’s pizza night.

Love God. Hand him your life. Put all your trust in him. Most importantly: “Oh, Taste and see that the Lord is good!” (Psalm 34:8)

I Learned 4 Things at a Hardcore Show

A month ago I attended a hardcore show. It was my first time experiencing a concert of that kind. Like most folks my age who grew up in church my first concert was Carman. My second concert was the Gaither Vocal Band.

This might come as a shock but a hardcore show is nothing like a Carman concert. For starters my mom didn’t have to drag me to it. Also, Zoe Girl wasn’t the opening act.

The point is I was a sheltered youth. Slowly over the years I’ve been trying to break away and try as many different experiences I may have missed out on inside the shelter. Usually when people say this they mean drugs and other things you’d find in a Miley Cyrus music video. That’s not what I’m talking about.

And I’m also not talking about a strictly Christian sheltered life. My friends in high school weren’t Christian and we were SO BORING. I’m sure they’d admit it too.

It was as if we wanted to avoid any and all interactions with the world where “something could go wrong.” And we all know those are the most memorable experiences! Any motivational poster will tell you “the higher the risk the greater the reward.”

Can “something go wrong” at a hardcore show? Have you seen pictures? It looks like an overcrowded fight club set to music! But I wanted to experience it and it turns out it was a lot of fun.

4 Things I Discovered About Hardcore Shows

1. The Volume

First thing you’ll notice is that hardcore shows are loud. Then you won’t notice it anymore because your ears are permanently damaged. Enjoy that ringing for the next two days!

2. The Sweat

You will end up covered in sweat. It might be yours but it’s probably everyone’s sweat mixing together. The point is you will leave damp. No matter where you stand or what you do. Sweat. Will. Get. On. You.

I came to terms with this early in the show. However, I did reach a breaking point when dirty sweaty dread locks started whipping me in the face. That’s when I knew it was time to go.

3. That Girl Over There Smells Really Bad. Stay Away From Her.

“What girl? Who are you talking about? What will she look like?” Trust me. You’ll know her when you see her.

4. Everyone Looks Cooler Than You

Even the smelly girl. She still looks cooler than you. Even if you end up stage diving. Actually, let me rephrase that: ESPECIALLY if you stage dive.

I reluctantly found myself crowd surfing my way to getting dumped on stage. I stood up and looked out at the sea of people I was about to throw myself on. I’m kind of tall and a few of the faces I made eye contact with didn’t seem thrilled with having to support my body weight. My sweaty body weight.

I raised my arms and made a face that said “sorry guys, but I’ve got to do this” and I jumped. I was held up for a second and then dropped to the ground.

I thought it was a fine experience until I saw footage. My whole nonverbal exchange with the audience is completely lost in the lighting! I just look like an overenthusiastic doofus. It just looks like I raise my hands in excitement and then jump to my death. I’m a Boy Scout trust falling into the cool kids. It’s so embarrassing for me to watch. I’m sure you’ll have a different reaction.

What have you learned about hardcore? If you’re in that scene, why? What do you like about it? What draws you to it? Leave a comment or send me an e-mail. I want to know and I want to do a follow up with your answers.

Fighting Tragedy with Humor

A few years ago a doctor told my father he had Alzheimer's. That’s a heavy diagnosis. A lot of thoughts comes with it. He could forget my name one day, or who I am entirely. He could forget who he is. We might have to take the car keys away from him. And on top of that there’s no cure. So...you know...that really sucks.

My father was very intentional with how he wanted to handle the news. He told my mom he wanted them to feel comfortable making jokes.

A lot of people view the use of humor in the face of tragedy as harmful. It’s a defense mechanism so you don’t have to deal with what’s going on. I know I’m guilty of this. Someone asks me a question and I throw a joke out to dodge having to answer it.

To my family, when it comes to Alzheimer's, humor is not a defensive maneuver. It’s an attack. It’s a step forward. It’s our way of saying “It’s ok to talk about this! We don’t have to be so somber.” Naturally we feel like we have to be on pins and needles around this topic. Humor is a weapon against the tension.

In their book, Heidegger and a Hippo Walk Through Those Pearly Gates, Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein put this way:

“Jokes are funny that way: they can make a devastating point while defusing anxiety at the same time.”

This is one of the reasons behind AWKWARD HONESTY NIGHTS. Let’s use humor to knock down the walls we put around the things “too devastating to talk about.”

Laughter is a powerful thing.

I’d love to talk to you more about the vision of AWKWARD HONESTY NIGHTS.

P.S. I asked my dad if I could tell this story. He gave his blessing but he might have forgot.

Performances are Better Live [video]

The beauty of live performance (as a performer or as an audience member) is getting to be a part of something that will never happen again. Ever. In the world. In the universe. It won't even happen in an alternate universe. If there are any. You can't duplicate it! "No man ever steps in the same river twice." A greek philosopher said that! And it's true about live shows.

I'd like to share with you a few great examples of the beauty of live performance. This is not a list. These are not ranked. I'm not Buzzfeed. I'm not the rest of the internet.

It'll Never Happen Again!

Bill Cosby was just on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. It's such a great appearance because it goes off the rails immediately. The majority of Cosby's segment is spent on the floor. You can tell he doesn't give a rip about doing a "normal talk show appearance." He's too old for that. He takes the show where he wants and Jimmy is more than willing to tag along. It's unexpected and a really fun segment. Also, Cosby comes across as a crazy person.

In 1998 the remaining members of the groundbreaking comedy group Monty Python came together to receive some sort of award. The only deceased member, Graham Chapman, still made an appearance…well…his urn full of ashes made an appearance. Is this clip a little dark? Yeah. Graham Chapman is really dead. For real. And it's sad. But this is still hilarious. And it's the perfect Monty Python way of allowing Chapman to steal the show.

There's Nothing Like Being There

Steve Aoki is a guy who is popular in music today. What does he do? What kind of music does he perform? I don't know. I think he's a dj? I also don't know how old he is. He could be 45 or 20. I'm really bad with age. All you need to know about him is that he's known for throwing cakes at people during his concerts. AND HIS FANS LOVE IT SO MUCH. Everyone wants a cake thrown at their face. Now that's an interesting and unique live experience!

And finally I'll share a video of the hardcore band, The Chariot. I'm not a die hard fan of this band or the style of music but I love watching footage of their live shows because they are terrifying and insane. You never know what someone is going to climb, or throw, or break, or when someone is going to fly at you. It seems so dangerous. But I'm sure everyone remembers the experience.

What I'm trying to say is this show on Saturday is going to be a mix of all of these.

HA! I wish.

Come this Saturday to a live comedy show. It'll have stand-up, musicians, and maybe some unexpected moments.

Comedy For Any Kind of Night

There's this great big wonderful stand-up comedy show on November 23rd. I want everyone to know about it. I also want everyone to know you can make any kind of "night" out of attending a show like this! It's great for any mood or occasion.  

Make COMEDY & THE REST ON NOV. 23 a ____________ night.

Guy's night

Go out with your bro's, buds, uh, man-dudes? I don't know what your friends call each other. Whatever. Hang out with them at this show. It's been forever since you've all seen each other, right? Probably because what's-his-name got back together with that one chick. She's really changed him. AM I RIGHT!? I don't know what I'm talking about.

Girl's Night

Everything I said in the above paragraph but about girls.

Date night

It's cheap and you guys already saw Thor 2. You're running out of date ideas. This is unique! And maybe your significant other will laugh so hard they'll forget they asked you to go home with them for Thanksgiving. I totally understand. I wouldn't want to go either. Their family IS really weird. And you're totally right about Uncle Jeff. That guy is a weirdo.

Find a Date night

You're single. There will be other single people at the show. Why not show up ready to put the moves on someone. AM I RIGHT?!?! If you need help in that department you can attend my new seminar, Trick Her Into Thinking You're Not As Creepy As You Really Are.

Dumped Night

Recently dumped? You already threw your engagement ring into a river and watched that really depressing break-up episode of Boy Meets World? Get out of the house! Forget the ex and come laugh!

Break-up Night

Need to break up with someone and don't know how to do it? Do it at a comedy show! I know it sounds like an awful idea but I'm sure it won't be that bad.

Family night

Bring your whole family out! Except for any babies…or animals. Leave those at home. Don't worry, the animals can take care of the babies. I saw it on TLC.

Laughter is a very nice thing, indeed.

Attend the show as a celebration for something great that's recently happened (new job, new relationship, you just beat GTAV)!

Maybe life sucks right now. You've got nothing to celebrate. A night of laughter can always be a a wonderful distraction. It can lift the weight of whatever has you down (lost your job, lost a loved one, you hate being an adult, you're terrified of the future, gluten allergy, you still can't get over the fact that Ben Affleck is Batman, etc).

Join us in Waxahachie on November 23.

P.S. If it's too far away, why not plan a comedy night at your church in 2014?

Nov. 23 is a Very Special Day

There are a lot of things happening November 23. Bill Cosby is releasing his first stand-up special in 30 years on Comedy Central that day. Day of the Doctor, the big 50th anniversary Doctor Who special airs. I'm sure there's other stuff too. The new Hunger Games movie debuts the night before. Good lord. Now that I look at the calendar THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS HAPPENING. Oh well.

The reason I bring up Saturday November 23rd is because that's the date of a great big live stand-up show in Waxahachie, TX. I will be performing along with comedian Garland Owensby and a few other special guests.

Tickets are only $5. That's really cheap.

Even though there might be a lot of things happening on that night please consider the fact that all the things I listed are happening on a screen. This stand-up show is live. It's real people really right in front of you. A movie is the same every time you watch it but this show can never be duplicated. This experience is once and never again. And it's only $5.

The show begins at 8 pm and will be at my church, House of Hope Assembly of God. I'm trying to invite everyone: youth groups, college students, strangers, and the rest. If you're anywhere in the DFW area, why not come?

I believe in the power of word of mouth. If you're reading this and you've enjoyed one of our Waxahachie shows in the past, PLEASE share this with others. Bring your whole family. Bring someone else's family but lie and say it's your own. I don't care who you bring. But bring them all.

It's going to be something special.

Galoskowsky's Three Year Anniversary

Last week marked the three year anniversary of my first ever GALOSKOWSKY show. The whole idea behind it was that I wanted to create a live show filled with stand-up, skits, live music, and any other wonderful thing to be performed in churches.

My pitch was this: so many young Christians live a boring sheltered life (speaking from personal experience). They can't go see movies with their friends because the movies are rated R. They can't go see concerts because they're happening in bars. They can't go hang out because all of their friends are going to parties with drinking and other dumb ideas. So they just have to sit around and wait for their youth group to go bowling or something (again I say…from experience I speak).

I wanted to create something worth seeing. I wanted to create something unique. I didn't want to be like so much "Christian entertainment" that was merely a knock-off of whatever was popular in the rest of the world.

My home church in San Antonio, Victory Assembly of God, was nice enough to host our first ever show. I performed stand-up. My friend Mike joined me for a few incredibly stupid skits. Our musical guests were the always wonderful Tyler and Stephanie Martin. It was a lot of fun.

This is a promo video I made for that first Galoskowsky show. I forced my friend Casey to eat one of those disgusting KFC Double Downs. This still makes me laugh really hard.

After that first performance we traveled to a few other churches and independent comedy clubs around Texas. The show evolved over time.

Now I travel alone doing stand-up but the goal is still the same. Some times when you're growing up in a Christian environment you need someone to say "SEE?! FOLLOWING JESUS DOESN'T MEAN YOU HAVE TO BE BORING!" I often end my stand-up shows with a quiet moment to remind the audience the beauty and power of the gospel. Those are some of my favorite times on stage.

It's crazy to think that the first big show I put together all on my own was three years ago. I love looking back over these past few years and seeing God open some doors and close others. I can see His plan so clearly in the rear view mirror. Now when I look out at the future it is completely unknown. But in 3 more years I'll look back and see God's plan just as clearly. And that leads me to trust and lean on Him.

Leaning on God is a great place to be.

A Guest Speaker's Retreat Recap

I'm going to try really hard not turn this blog entry into a WHAT I DID ON SUMMER VACATION essay. That could very easily happen. I'll do my best to avoid that. All I want to do is share with you the great time I had speaking at a summer retreat for The Anchor student ministry. I was mostly excited for this trip the weeks leading up to it. But there were a few things that made me a little standoffish. The three day retreat was a canoe trip in Oklahoma, and those are two things I'm not all that fond of.

Canoeing involves nature and the outdoors. I'm allergic to all that (grass, trees, cats, moss…I'm probably allergic to ferrets or something).Plus, I am an incredibly pale fellow. If I even think about the sun for too long I'll get burned. So it's just easier and more comfortable if I stay indoors. Also, before this trip I had never actually been inside a canoe. I've been on the lazy river at water parks. That's as close as I've gotten.

And then there's the fact that I don't really enjoy Oklahoma. I mean, I don't hate it or anything. Out of all the states it's just not in my top 3…or top 10…or top 50. I guess it's Texas loyalty or something. Sorry, Oklahoma. I'm trying to change.

IN FACT earlier this summer I discovered something remarkable in Texas' hat (Oklahoma). The greatest burger I've ever had is hidden in downtown Oklahoma City. The place is called S&B Burger Joint. For some reason I'm obsessed with this burger. I can't stop thinking about it. I've only had it once but it'll stay with me forever. See? There's some good in Oklahoma! I'm slowly learning to love it there.

Everything about the retreat was great. Hanging out with the leaders and students was so much fun. Canoeing was surprisingly enjoyable. Sure, I got sunburned but at least I wasn't sneezing and slinging snot everywhere from allergies. I think I got bit by spider on my lower back/upper butt. There were a ton of tiny things flying and crawling around. I'm never a fan of that. But canoeing was fun. I'd do it again if given the chance.

And then there were the services. It was so encouraging to watch a group of students so willing to respond to God.

I was given a lot of nice compliments and blah blah blah. I know that was ultimately God who caused things to happen. All I did was be obedient. And I'm so glad I was. The day after I got home from Oklahoma I saw a picture and caption a student from the retreat posted on Instagram.

I've got nothing. There's nothing for to say. It feels great to know that God would involve me. Awesome.

Alright, I'll move on.

There was an unusual tradition at the retreat: arm wrestling competition.  It was the youth's own late night fight club. A table was set up in the middle of the room with a chair on either side. Everyone would begin to sing and stomp WE WILL ROCK YOU as the names of the two competitors was announced. "When the table calls, you answer."

I documented some of the arm wrestlers and I'm so glad I did. Check out the faces this guy was making! He got intense REAL quick.

And check out the guy in the background! He's posed so perfectly but as a complete accident! He naturally sits like that! Man, his yearbook picture is probably incredible.

I enjoyed my time speaking at this retreat so so so much. Looking forward to the rest of the year I'm praying for more opportunities to speak to youth, to share the gospel, and to arm wrestle.