Wow!

Wow- life got busy and the blog fell to the side! We have been busy at the Edge!  Next week will be the Edge Summer Conference. We are soo excited! We know God is going to do big things at this conference.
The theme of the conference comes from Jeremiah 1:7-9.  We are challenging the youth to Arise! Now is the time for them to get up and take their place in the kingdom of God!
We will try to get better about posting on the blog- bare with us! :)
Say a prayer for us as we prepare for the week and as we are gone next week.  We have around 34 youth going and a grand total of youth and adults at 47!  We will update you when we are back ( probably- haha)
Have a blessed week!
Melissa

Dreams

Hey guys and gals!
This is Nicole. I was thinking to myself, we have some pretty incredible youth! Then I began to think of how God is going to use you guys in some amazing ways. God loves each and everyone of you so much, and in each and everyone of you He has placed great gifts, talents, even ministries.
So we want to hear from you! What do you think your gifts, talents even ministries are?
If the ministry that you believe you have is not already a ministry in our church what do you think might be the next step for you?
Last question... what is your biggest dream? (dream big...don't be scared. Because He's greater!)

Here's some of my dreams:
* Play the violin
* Be a part of a dance program
* Adopt a little girl from China
* Make a huge impact in my city
* Act, sing maybe even model
* Be a successful nurse, mother and wife
* Help the poor, and the orphaned
* See an angel
* Have a big heavenly encounter
* Do the things that Jesus did that there's not enough room in the Bible for
* Have a huge legacy of generations in my family madly in love with the King
* Change my world

Nicole

Robby= Service

Wow- It's been a while since we posted something!  It has been crazy busy around here.  Shane hurt himself at the men's retreat and we have been through surgery and recovering.  Everything is going really well though.
Now on to bigger things:  We gave Robby Sinclair a good send off Wednesday night at the Edge.  It was a great time.  He will be leaving for the National Guard boot camp in the next day or two.  As we have been going through the process of getting ready for him to leave the Edge team for a while, I have been thinking a lot about him and his impact in the Edge youth team.   You can't think of Robby without thinking of service.  He is always ready and waiting to do anything you may need.  I have never heard him complain one bit, he is always there with a smile.  There is a lot to be learned from this young man's life.  It shouldn't come as a surprise that he would be leaving to serve our country.  My desire is that there will be some young men come and step in his place with the awesome desire to serve.  I have heard spoken before that the best quality a leader can have is the desire to serve, and I agree with that.  We are walking on this earth as Christians to show Christ's love to others and serving is a big part of that.  I thank God for speaking this to me and challenge you guys to walk in service to God and others.  Remember your mark you leave in life will be left in how you have shared God's love with others.  In the word of Jim Elliot, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot loose."  We all have the same amount of time, and it will be used.  The question is- how will we use it?
Have a great week!!

Melissa

Grateful

We're back!  Well, we are back from an awesome weekend with some awesome youth!  Totally exhausted, but wouldn't of missed if for the world! We had a great time!  There were the normal camp pranks, but overall it was so good.  None of the girls got mad at each other, and none of the boys beat anyone up-now that is God- lol!!
 On a serious note- we truly do have some awesome youth.  God moved in so many of their lives this weekend.  God has called forth a group of warriors to go and spread his kingdom and I know they can all step up to the plate.  I have seen lives transformed and stand in awe of a great and glorious God. 
One of the youth laid down a challenge to the other youth that they stand up and be the chosen generation that God has called them to be.  If you are one of those youth--I look forward to seeing what you do!  I know you guys are going to go further than we ever imagined and I am honored to be able to work beside you!
So youth- Sunday morning, lets show them how to worship!!
Have a great week!!
Melissa

Gearing up for Winter Conference

Well, life got busy for a while.  We have been having a great time at the Edge.  We had an awesome Christmas Party with an amazing Dance Off competition.  I am so bummed I haven't figured out how to post the video of it....maybe by Valentines Day I will have it up???
We are having our Winter Conference this weekend in beautiful Mt. View,AR.  We are so excited!  We have 31 youth going and 12 adults. It is going to be such an awesome time!  I just know that God is going to do a new thing in each of these youth's life.  They are awesome kids and God is going to bless this time of getting away with the intent of growing closer to him.
I have been preparing for this, and once again I am reminded of how much God wants a relationship with us.  He is so good to us and so faithful. 
In the Connection Sunday in the Senior High class, we challenged them to do a little spiritual inventory of the last year.  I have done the same on my own last week.  It is so good to see what God has done and take note of it periodically.  We asked them to think of where they want to be in the coming year. What are their personal spiritual goals, I know I have done the same over the last week.  I once again am refocused on what matters in my relationship with God.  I constantly have to remind myself it is less about the rules and more about the relationship.  If you have a relationship, the rules just handle themselves.  In the words of Dr. Phil- no I don't watch him- "You can be the leader of the band, but if you stop you are going to be run over by the trombones."  We can't stop.
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win."  1 Corinthians 9:24
Time to go and run the race-
Melissa Younge

A Word From Jarrod

Lately, I've been thinking about the future and some dreams that God has given me.  I've also been thinking about what I must do to see these dreams come true and how awesome it is going to be.  Something I have noticed though is that the world and the enemy keep telling me my dreams are too big, why don't I come down to realistic goals and dreams?  For a while, I thought , maybe it's true...maybe I made this up and will never really do this stuff? Then God spoke to me and reminded me to never settle for less with than the dreams and goals he has given me.  These dreams are the minimum I can accomplish when I obey him. In reality, I say I am going to change a certain geographical area, but God says I will change the world.  It all comes back to believing in Him and having faith in Him.  I've got to believe that the power in me can do more than just stop something, it can completely reverse the way things are going.  That's awesome!  So, if there are any dreams you have that you think may be to big, just remember that God gave you those dreams and ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!
Adios-
Jarrod

*bonus* if you read this before Wed. service say this  extra bonus word: Adios for a special treat.

Treasure Hunt

Hey- What a great time we have been having at the Edge!  We have had two treasure hunts recently.  We did one a few weeks ago that was a little different.  We took one group out, we had one group pray for the youth in the church and we trained the other group of youth.  It was really cool.  It is so exciting to see God speak and move.  Last Wednesday, we went on another treasure hunt and everyone participated. I believe we will all agree, it was so fun!  God is so good to share with us what he wants to do in the people we encounter.  I am so thankful that he chooses to use us to do his will. 
Life is hard, sometimes all we have to do is smile to lift people's spirits.  This time is year is suppose to be one of the happiest, it is all about hope.  When Jesus was born, he brought with him hope.  He was the saviour of the world.  Because of his birth, we no longer had to live under the curse of our sin. He provided us freedom! I think this is just the perfect time of year to share our freedom with others! Lets show them that we are different.   Lets show them that we have hope, that we have been released from our past and that we don't live under condemnation! Lets go out and live who God says we are.  The best gift we can give those around us is the freedom we walk in!
Thank you to all the Edgies that make me smile on a weekly basis! I am very bummed I had to miss church yesterday- I hope we do the dance party again.  I can not wrap my brain around the fact that Mr. Eric danced on the speakers-- Cody- it is a given that he would do that.  Haha! Shane said when he saw Cody dancing, he looked over to see if someone else was doing it and when he saw Eric, we was relieved he didn't have to kill Cody! LOL!! I love our church!
Look forward to seeing you guys Wednesday! It is going to be another fun night.  Invite your friends!  Don't forget- Christmas party on the 15th. If you don't want to dress up, come anyway.  We can laugh at those who do!
Have an awesome week!
Melissa

Checking In

Hey guys-
It's been a while since I posted something--- oops.  Anyway, we have been busy.
The guys had an awesome time at the men's camp out, the girls had a great time at the sleepover(in the warm house- just like I like it). 
We have wrapped up the Power of the Cross series. 
We are entering into the holiday season.  We have a lot to be grateful for!!  We have had some new people added to our group and are thrilled!! Keep bringing friends! It's through the life of God in you that people will be drawn into the kingdom! 
Tonight we will have a great time! We are going to talk some about hearing the voice of God in our day to day life.  That's how we know what he wants to do in our life- right?
Look forward to seeing you guys in a little bit! More to come on the blog soon.
What are you guys thankful for this Thanksgiving season? Remember- that is what it is about!
God bless-
Melissa

Out of the Ordinary

I just love the first really cold day of Fall.  This time of year is awesome, but then again I normally feel that way about every season as it comes!
Enough of that- Wednesday night was great!  Thank you all who came.  I taught and we spoke about breaking out of the ordinary.  We spoke of how the Power of the Cross conquered not only the world in us, but what the world says of us.  We discussed how our thoughts aren't like God's thoughts and we need the Holy Spirit to transform our thought pattern.  It was an eye opener for me also.  Each day when I encounter situations, I am trying to take time and ask the Holy Spirit what he says about it.  Whether it is a decision to be made, or a feeling rises in me, I ask why.  It has been revealing.  I encourage you to try to make God not only part of everyday, but part of every moment.  He wants that relationship with you.  He wants you totally dependant on him.  What better to be dependant on?
Also, we challenged you guys to step out of the role of the "typical teenager".  We challenged you to Rise Up and do something amazing for Christ.  You are empowered by the Holy Spirit- the outcome is endless if you agree with him and give it your all.  Shane has set forth a challenge for me and him as a couple to live differently after watching the Todd White video Wednesday.  We are choosing to try to "Love the Hell" out of those around us.  Less about our rights and all about showing God's love to the people around us.  Remember---we don't wrestle w/flesh and blood, but with spiritual forces of darkness(shortened a little--check it out Ephesians 6:12).  In the end whether you had the right to do a certain thing will matter little to them coming to know your Creator God. 
I hope you all have a great day and look forward to seeing you at the Harvest Festival.  I need some moles--so all that can show up, come!!  If not, then see you Sunday. You guys are awesome and it is a privilege for us to work with you!
God bless,
Melissa
P.s.  I would like to share the link to the video we showed, but cant figure out how--sooo if you want to see it go to Youtube and search Todd White Rise Up .

Smiling

Hey guys!
I am still smiling thinking about all the fun we had Wednesday night! You guys are awesome! Who knew that bubble gum could be so pretty?  I hope everyone is having a great weekend.  I know some of you have the day off today.  How exciting!  I hope you have a fun packed weekend.
 Don't forget to join us at church on Sunday.  We are working on a slide show from Wednesday for the service Sunday morning.  If you know how technically challenged I am, you know it it truly WORK to get it done! :)  I will also post pics on the Edge Facebook page--so be looking.
 We are doing something new with the blog.  We will be posting a word of the week on Tuesday and will will hand out prizes for those who know the word.  This will be fun!!
See you all Sunday!
Melissa

Thoughts....

Have you ever thought to yourself, I wonder if I matter to anyone? I wonder if I have made a difference in someone's life? I'm sure all of us have asked this at one time or another. This question stems from a desire that is deep inside of us to make a difference in our "world" today. This desire was placed inside each of us by God so that He can through us change peoples lives forever! Because of what Jesus did on the cross, (and when we make the most important decision ever, to make him Lord not us) we can be fully confident that the power of the cross resides in us! The same power that Jesus had to conquer death, the same spirit that dwelled in Jesus, lives in me. You know what that means? WE are Jesus today! WE are exactly what our friends and family need. We are the answer! The Bible tells us that God was pleased to have us as His inheritance! God is pleased with us! So much so, that He sent His son to provide a way for his spirit to live in us! What an amazing God! This also means that if God is living inside of us, we are PERFECT! No mistakes here, the more and more we DEPEND on Holy Spirit, the more and more we mirror Jesus. God perfectly executed his plan.... and his plan was relationship... relationship with his sons and daughters! You and me! Be blessed today, and know that you are perfect for the world around you.... YOU are the answer!!!
Nicole

Bubbling Streams

We have been busy over the last week at the Edge.  We had a great night Wednesday night- the group was so full of life!  We heard the Bible story about King Saul and how God told him to wipe out the Amalekites.  Saul disobeyed God and did not destroy everything. It was very interesting! Ya want to hear more? Read 1 Samuel 15 for the whole story.  It is so important that we obey God in every instance.  Pastor Alan spoke yesterday about how we must depend on God for every decision.  In the Garden of Eden the tree was the tree of Good and Evil.  Sometimes even the good we do is sin because we did it independently from God.  He wants us to depend on him for EVERYTHING. That's awesome-still learning it myself.
This coming week is the Chili Lunch sponsored by the youth- yep that's you guys!  I am looking forward to it.  I like to see all the church fellowship after church over a meal--it's a bonus that the money gets to go towards such an awesome youth group! 
Don't forget to invite your friends to the Lot Party on October 20th!  We want to bring in a lot of new faces and show them how fun you guys are!
Remember to be bubbling streams for the kingdom this week!
Love you all!
Melissa

God Has Created You With a Purpose

I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather we are having, I know I am!  We had a treasure hunt last week at the Edge and it was great!  We had youth who had never been on a treasure hunt and it was cool to see them experience it for the first time.  We plan on doing another one soon on the weekend in hopes of catching more people out.  We all need to remember that each day we can live a life that touches people for God in all we do.  Sometimes just a smile is what God will use to touch some one's heart.  Just taking time out of your busy day to notice those around you that you may not normally notice!   I encourage everyone of you to go out intent on sharing the love of God with those around you.  You were created with a purpose and that purpose is to draw people into the kingdom of God.  All you have to do is stand back and let them see how awesome God is and they will be drawn in.  This generation is called to be different and I believe you guys can touch the world in a way that none other has.  The foundation has been laid, now what are you going to do? Go out and live a life of passion for God!!  This Wednesday night we will continue the teaching of the power of the cross- come ready to be changed! 
God Bless You and ENJOY THE DAY!!
Melissa

Almost time for a Treasure Hunt!

Well tomorrow night at the Edge, we will be going on another treasure hunt!  It never ceases to amaze me at how good God is and how much he loves us.  Everytime we have one of these, people are touched by God in such creative ways!  Sometimes I believe the ones participating are blessed the most.  It is so exciting to sit and watch as we come back to church and everyone is sharing all that happened while they were gone.  The room is in a buzz and everyone is talking over everyone else! It is great!!  I am amazed at how bold our youth are.  Well guys- I hope you all can make it!! It will be a night like no other! Remember--you are a NEW CREATION!! The power of  Christ is living inside of you---pray and ask the Holy Spirit to prepare you ahead of time! Come ready to see God show his love to those in the Cabot area!!
Shane and Melissa

A Proverbs a day keeps the stupid away

So, Sunday in Sr. High class we encouraged the class to read a Proverbs a day.  I'm curious if anyone has done this.  Proverbs is such a great book, filled with a ton of wisdom. It's written by the wisest man who ever lived- Solomon.  The first few chapters are actually written for young people just as a father would instruct his child.  How cool is that?  Anyway- I hope you all are reading Proverbs.  I like to read the Proverbs that goes with the date in the month- ex. today is the 23rd, so I would read Proverbs 23.  Just for fun- I am going to leave you with a Proverbs close to a mother's heart:
"Dear child, if you become wise, I'll be one happy parent.  My heart will dance and sing to the tuneful truth you'll speak."  Proverbs 23:15-16 Msg. Bible
(I refrained from posting Proverbs 23:13-14 though it did make me smile.)
Have a great day-
Melissa

Welcome to the Edge

Welcome to the Edge Youth Grace Fellowship Cabot.