Shining Stars
Taking Time for Thanks Thursday
Thursday, May 10, 2012
“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life–in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.” (Philippians 2:14-16) 
There’s a world of difference between a complainer and a cheerful person. It’s so easy in our busy lives in today’s society to focus on our problems, listen to the negative voices, and give into our fears. We hold fast to the Word of life, Christ, we have nothing to fear or worry about. He has already solved our biggest problem giving us life through His sacrifice on the cross. God call us to be good listeners, cheerful, and humbly ready to help others. Blazing bright stars in a world of darkness. May we walk in a manner worthy of our calling.
SHOUT IT Mission Statement (Including PDF File)
THE SHOUT IT Mission Statement PDF
(Here is a link to download Adobe Reader if you don’t have it yet(it’s free): http://www.adobe.com/accessibility/products/reader/)
Stand Up: Forming Your Beliefs and Wordview, Identifying Your Call, Overcoming Your Barriers
Holiness: The Pursuit of an Intimate Relationship with God and Becoming More Christ-like Every Day
Outrageous: Living Your Life with No Regrets and Every Day Like it’s Your Last
Unite: Loving God’s Family and Developing Lasting Relationships
Thankfulness: Choosing a Lifestyle of Worship towards God
Integrity: Being the Person you Proclaim to Be at All Times
Tell Them: Carrying Out the Great Commission
SHOUT: Focusing On Loving God, Others, and Yourself
Stand Up
1. Fight for What’s Right: Grasping and Understanding What You Believe
a. Frame Your Worldview
b. Fall Back on Your Faith
c. Form a Firm Foundation
2. Find Your Fit: Discovering Your Unique Design God Planned For You
a. Focus on Your Purpose
b. Fuel the Fire
c. Fulfill Your Calling
3. Face Your Fears: Pushing Your Barriers Aside
a. Fix Your Eyes Upon His Face
b. Flee From All Worry
c. Follow Your Father Forward
Holiness
1. Surrender to God’s Will: Giving God Complete Control Over Your Life
a. Stop Struggling With Self-Centeredness
b. See With His Eyes
c. Simplify Your Life
2. Serve Him Wholeheartedly: Finding Ways to Serve Your Church and Community
a. Search for Others Needs
b. Support the Cause of Christ
c. Start Taking Action Now
3. Seek His Ways: Drawing Closer to God Through a Daily Quiet Time
a. Stay Still and Silent Before Your Savior
b. Study and Meditate on the Scriptures
c. Share Your Story With God
Outrageous
1. Loosen Up On Your Letdowns: Past: Finding Purpose From Your Past
a. List Your Letdowns
b. Learn Life’s Lessons
c. Let Go and Lighten Your Load
2. Live Out Loud: Present: Finding Your Passion, Purpose, and Potential in Life
a. Long For Adventure
b. Laugh and Enjoy
c. Leap for Joy
3. Leave A Legacy: Future: Building a Foundation that will Last Forever
a. Lead a Life to be Followed
b. Lean on Others
c. Light Up the World
Unite
1. Love Without Limits: Displaying God’s Love to the Church in your Relationships
a. Label and Speak Others Love Languages
b. Lay Down Your Pride
c. Lend a Hand
2. Learning to Listen: Developing Better Communication With One Another
a. Lose Your Anger
b. Lift Others Up
c. Look Into Their Life
3. Loyalty As a Priority: Being Honest and Faithful To Others
a. Lock Down on Lying
b. Lauch a Life of Honesty
c. Latch on to Keeping Your Promises
Thankfulness
1. Worship As a Lifestyle: Showing God Gratitude in Every Action You Take
a. Worship With Your Work
b. Worship With Your Words
c. Worship With Your Will
2. Wonder Like a Child: Being In Awe and Amazement of the World Around Us
a. Wake Up to Your Dreams
b. Widen Your Desires
c. Willingly Discover God’s Design
3. With Everything Wield It Worthwhile: Being Faithful Stewars Towards God
a. With Your Treasures
b. With Your Time
c. With Your Talents
IT: Focusing On Reaching the Lost
Integrity
1. Actions As the Attraction: Acting out Your Beliefs with Conviction and Consistency
a. Apply Godly Wisdom from Above
b. Affirm Your Authenticity
c. Accomplish Your Aim
2. Accountability As Your Responsibility: Holding Yourself Honest with Other Believers
a. Acknowledge Your Shortcomings
b. Answer Truthfully
c. Ask for Advice
3. Approaching the Throne Alone: Living a Pure Life when No One is Looking
a. Adjust Your Attitude
b. Accept Your Areas of Weakness
c. Abandon the Ambush
Tell Them
1. Tasks that Last Among the Trash: Showing God’s Love to Non-Believers
a. Tame Your Tongue
b. Tackle Your Temptations
c. Tilt Your Time Towards Them
2. Transcribe Your Testimony To Transpire: Telling Non-Believers what God has Done in Your Life
Testify Your:
a. Turning Point
b. Trials and Tribulations
c. Truimphs and Transformations
3. Tying Together the Truth: Presenting the Gospel to the Lost
a. This is Temporary
b. Transgressions and Terror
c. Third Day and Tomorrow’s Treasures
Finding My Place in This World: Where Do I Belong? (Part 2 of 2)
July 8, 2010 (Reposted and Updated)
“A heart that’s hopeful
I head that’s full of dreams
But this becoming
Is harder than it seems…
Feels like I’m
Looking for a reason
Roaming through the night to find
My place in this world
Not a lot to lean on
I need your light to help me find
My place in this world” Michael W. Smith Lyrics
Time is flying by, in fact it seems like every day is faster than the one before these days! It’s now been 7 years since I graduated high school in 2003 (it’s now an incredible 9 years!) and yet here I am in virtually the same place I was 7 years ago. What happened? I ask myself–where did I go wrong? Why is life so hard and why is getting to where I want to be seem so elusive to me? Lately these questions have been drilling me in my head as friends, former co-workers, family members, and my peers continue to progress in life, while I’m stuck in neutral. Here’s a recap at what went wrong over the past several years….
High school for me was in some ways a complete waste for me (or at least it feels that way)–and I deeply regret that it was. I never established my identity in high school, but I didn’t really mind. I wasn’t even a part of any crowd, didn’t have many friends, and didn’t involve myself in any after school activities such as plays, sports, or clubs. Why? Because I approached high school with a passive attitude. I didn’t put full effort into my academic work, striving just to get by and be done with it. Am I being too hard on myself?–perhaps…but I have know I could have done so much more than what I did through those 4 years (like Shawn Hunter stated in Boy Meets World in the episode: “Graduation”, Season 5, Epsiode 24) . Then planning for college was seen as a chore and I took little interest in it. I dreamed of going to somewhere like Malone or Mount Vernon; but I knew it was impossible with my grades, so I settled for Stark State Tech College because it was cheap and close to home….
Deciding a major was a nightmare—nothing appealed to me. My thinking process was this: The Health field—boring. Engineering–way too complicated. Law–um….I’ll pass. Teaching….no thanks (no offense to all you teachers), Computers…too much math,…okay, I guess it’s going to have to be something in the business field. So I took the easy way out and choose Financial Services. After all I had to pick something, right?…
Less than two years in, I was miserable and knew Financial Services was going to be the death of me with classes like Accounting and Taxation. So I switched majors and choose Marketing–yet another mistake. I based my major on the introduction class to Marketing, which I loved, but never considered what actually a marketing job required(word of advice: never base your decision to choose a major on a class you like–huge mistake!) I ignored all the warning signs, convincing myself that marketing would somehow work. After a few setbacks, I got my associate’s degree in marketing in 2007 and thought getting a job would be easy….
As it turns out, getting a job wasn’t the problem–it’s what the job required; the details of my job description immediately made me realize that I had made a HUGE mistake. Marketing in the truest sense is sales–there are different words for it promoting, advertising, public relations, but at its core Marketing is simply sales(which doesn’t fit my personality at all!!). After a few job shadowing interviews I was miserable and knew I wanted out. By this time, I just wasted four years of my life in college and gotten nowhere..now what?.. I asked…
Over the next year or so, I again struggled on what to do. I decided on going back to school, this time striving to get certification in Desktop Publishing. Yet another mistake. Why? Desktop Publishing is mainly a home business job that thrived in the 90s, now it’s slowly fading out. Also certification is mainly for people who already have experience in that area of study, but need a little more educational training. So if you’re counting that’s five years in college and six overall that managed to pass me by…
Last summer, I decided to try something different–a self-training program in A+ certification (Information Technology). You guessed it–another mistake. Although the material itself isn’t hard to comprehend–it’s incredibly boring and I had a hard time getting motivated to learn the material, so I’m faced with making another career altering decision…
Going a few months back before then, on April 21, 2009, the course of my life took a drastic change. It may have not been in one instant moment that transcended every area of my life right then and there; but I finally woke up for good after years settling for mediocrity and getting by. Fourteen months have since passed and I’m beginning to see the results of the decision I made on that day (now over 3 years!). I’m no longer afraid to take risks, I’m more willing to step outside of my comfort zone, trying new things doesn’t faze me like it used to, my walk with God is incredibly strong and getting stronger, rejection is much easier to deal with now since mid-February, and I’m beginning to see clearly on what God wants me to do with my life! (Nearly two years later, I can’t begin to describe to you how much I’ve changed and grown since SHOUT IT Ministries became a part of my life!) That brings me to my decision that I’ve been wrestling with for months….
I’ve always wanted to doing something with computers, but it always struck me as a complex field with tons of math. While in school during the spring of 2009, I discovered my love for web design. Then “SHOUT IT” exploded onto the scene and the idea for a website came. In mid-November of last year(2009), I launched the website and since then many ideas, concepts, and dreams have sprung up, so I bought the Adobe Web Design Suite. The only problem is that I don’t know how to use all these programs, so I need to learn how(as of May of 2012, I now have a basic solid understanding of Adobe software!)….
So going back to school in the fall(Stark State) to study Web Design is what I feel God is leading me to do. No regrets, no passivity, no lackluster effort–it’s all or nothing. I’ve already spent 7 years wandering in the desert of despair and mediocrity. I can’t afford to make another mistake–so this decision must be the right one. I’ve prayed long and hard about this and I feel very confident in this decision(Two years later, I can say without a doubt that I made the right decision!). Of course, there’s plenty of hurdles and obstacles that I must overcome. Money, time, more commitments, sacrifices in my schedule are just a few that come to mind. I still haven’t figured out all the details, but I feel led to try for an associate’s degree in Web Design which will take at least 2.5 years or most likely 3 years(I’ll be finished with my degree within one year, May 2013). Yes, I’m frustrated it took this long to finally wake up and realize what I’m supposed to do, but like everything else in my life, it’s taken awhile for me to figure things out. I guess you could say I’m a slow learner…
Getting a job that pays the bills is never enough as I’ve learned. There’s more to a job than just earning money, making a living, and getting by. Also I’ve come to the realization that your job must fit your strengths, abilities, passions, personality–or you will be miserable! It sounds obvious, but a lot of people like me get a job just because it’s what they’re supposed to do. One more thing I’ve learned to not to live for someone else’s dream–do what God’s called you to do, not for what other people expect you to do. You can’t do anything you want (this is a well intended lie we’re told), you must use what you’re given and use them for the glory of God!…..
Before I can walk, I must learn to crawl. I’m still paying for the mistakes I’ve made over the past 7-10 years of my life(still paying for them in the present of May 2012), but there’s nothing I can do about it now. I can learn from my mistakes but it does me no good using them as an excuse for where I am today. The time is now to make something of my life, to live with a reckless abandon, living as each day was my last. I’ve grown so much in the past year or so, and I finally think I’m headed in the right direction. There’s still a lot of uncertainty in my life, question marks flood my mind as each day passes. In this process, God is teaching me to trust Him every step of the way, giving Him every part of my life. This is one area (my career) I’m finally ready to hand over to Him… My story isn’t over by any means…in fact…it’s just beginning!!
**Update: I’m currently finishing up my 2nd year of three studying Web Design at Stark State. I have a much better understanding of who I am and where I’m headed today then I did back when this was originally written in July of 2010. This being said, there are still question marks and uncertainty with my future and I’m trusting in God’s provision to lead me where He wants me to be. I’m fully committed to SHOUT IT Ministries and envision this online ministry being a huge part of my life for years to come! I know God has an awesome future in store for me and I eagerly look forward to it! I’m so thankful that our God is a God of second changes!**
Thanks for Reading. God Bless.
Clinging to Christ,
Kyle
Taking Care of the Characters: The Villians of Toy Story
Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear
“The guy may seem plush and huggable on the outside, but inside he’s a monster.” ~Buttercup
Background Basics: Lots-o’-Huggin’ Bear or Lotso for short is the main villain in Toy Story 3. He is the leader at Sunnyside Day Care. His main feature is that he smells like strawberries.
Nicknames: Lotso
Voiced by: Ned Beatty
Personality Profile: Lotso is considered to be the “tragic” villain of Toy Story 3 because of his back-story revealed by Chuckles. Unlike the other villains in Toy Story there is no redemption for his character. He was a Christmas gift by a little girl named Daisy and instantly became her favorite toy. Then he, Big Baby, and Chuckles are accidentally left behind at a rest stop. They made the long trek back to her house and Lotso discovered that he had been replaced. He felt betrayed and heartbroken ordering Chuckles and Big Baby to leave Daisy. He lied to Big Baby about being replaced, even though, he was the only toy that actually was. They end up at Sunnyside and Lotso proceeds to rig the entire system to serve himself. He’s first shown as kind and friendly to Andy’s toys, but then his true nature is later revealed. His personality is now sadistic and nihilistic as he is solely bent that kids never really love toys and all toys were made to be: “thrown away and nothing but a piece of plastic.” **Spoiler Alert!!** After confronting Andy’s toys at the dumpster , Big Baby is redeemed and throws him into the dumpster. Eventually they all end up at a landfill and Lotso is saved by Woody from being shredded to pieces. Lotso is then confronted with a chance to redeem himself and save Andy’s toys from impending doom in the incinerator by pushing a button to stop the conveyor belt. He instead chooses to let them perish and continue down the path he’s chosen. Justice is soon served when he is found by a garbage man who once owned a Lotso teddy bear during his childhood. Lotso then is tied up on the garbage man’s front grill of his truck to spend the rest of his existence there.
Memorable Quotes:
Well now, I’ll tell you. When the kids get old, new ones come in. When they get old, new ones replace them. You’ll never be outgrown, or neglected. Never abandoned or forgotten. No owners means – no heartbreak!”
“So you got donated by this “Andy”, huh? Well it’s his loss, Sheriff. He can’t hurt you no more.”
“I didn’t throw you away. Your kid did. Ain’t one kid ever loved a toy, really. Chew on that when you’re at the dump.”
Fun Facts:
- In a viral marketing campaign, Pixar posted 2 commercials, for a “real” Lotso teddy bear manufactured in 1983, on YouTube. One was a typical American toy commercial from the 80′s, and the other was done in Japanese. Both feature the “Toy Story Collection” edition of Lotso, that comes with the Certificate of Authenticity.
- Lotso made a cameo appearance in Up spotted next to Dee’s bed when Carl’s house flies past her window outside.
- According to the official movie magazine for Toy Story 3, Lotso was originally created for A Tin Toy Christmas (which became Toy Story)
- Where does Lotso get his cane? And why does he use it? The reason he may use it is because of the tear his body received through the ordeal of getting back to Daisy’s house and eventually Sunnyside. Where he found the cane remains a mystery.
Stinky Pete
Background Basics: Stinky Pete, AKA “the Prospector”, is the main villain/antagonist in Toy Story 2. He is the comic sidekick in the show, “Woody’s Roundup.”
Nicknames: The Prospector
Voiced by: Kelsey Grammer
Personality Profile: Stinky Pete is prized by Al because he is part of the original Woody’s Roundup Gang. He spends presumably many years in his box and is considered to be in mint condition because of this. Apparently the Prospector dolls never caught on with kids and most were left in their boxes unopened. And that’s the exact reason why he turns against Woody, Jessie, and Bullseye. His jealously of their popularity, especially Woody, is his downfall. He craves to be loved by children and he sees his one chance to do so by being sold by Al to the Tokyo Toy Museum. It’s his chance at immorality and is held in his warped view of what being loved is. This leads him to manipulate Woody stay with the rest of the Roundup Gang and later reveal his true intentions. He eventually ends up with a little girl named Amy who loves to paint faces on her toys.
Memorable Quotes:
“Turn me around, Bullseye, so I can see. Why, the prodigal son has returned.”
“How long will it last, Woody? Do you really think Andy is going to take you to college… or on his honeymoon? Andy’s growing up… and there’s nothing you can do about it. It’s your choice, Woody. You can go back, or you can stay with us and last forever. You’ll be adored by children for generations.”
“Fair? I’ll tell you what’s not fair: spending a lifetime on a dime-store shelf watching every other toy be sold. Well, finally, my waiting has paid off, and no hand-me-down cowboy doll is gonna mess it up for me now!”
Fun Facts:
- Stinky Pete made it clear that he hated “space toys”, who he claimed caused the cancellation of the Woody’s Roundup television show.
- According to his box, the Prospector has 9 phrases, which probably went for Jessie and Woody as well.
- Stinky Pete is seen in a few of the outtakes of Toy Story 2 and is seen talking to Barbie twins about getting a part in Toy Story 3. Alas, only one appeared in Toy Story 3.
- Stinky Pete also appears in Toy Story 3: The Video Game.
- It was revealed that Stinky Pete had a change of heart and grew fond of Amy in character interviews via the Toy Story website after the film was released.
Al McWhiggin
Background Basics: Al is a greedy toy collector and the owner of Al’s Toy Barn located in the Tri-County area. He’s also the mascot of the company(the chicken man!) appearing in the company’s commercials.
Nicknames: The Chicken Man
Voiced by: Wayne Knight
Personality Profile: Al’s main flaw is that he is so consumed with having the original Woody’s Roundup Collection that he has to steal from Andy to get his prized possession. He is more comedic relief than a true villain throughout Toy Story 2. Justice is served, though, when he returns home empty handed with no money and in Hamm’s words, “crime doesn’t pay.”
Memorable Quotes:
“I despise that chicken.” ~Hamm
“I can’t believe I have to drive all the way to work on a Saturday. All the way to work!”
“It’s like printing my own money.”
“Hey, kids! This is Al from Al’s Toy Barn, and I’m sitting on good deals. Ow! I think I’m feeling a deal hatching right now. Whoa! Let’s see what we got. We got boats for a buck. Beanies for a buck . . . For a buck-buck-buck! And that’s cheap-cheap-cheap! So hurry on down…”
“Don’t touch my mustache!”
Fun Facts:
- Al’s license plate is “LZTYBRN”, which is Al’s Toy Barn minus the vowel letters. It is also the license plate of Ash Brannon, who was a co-director of Toy Story 2.
- How do we know Al’s last name? It is revealed on the nameplate on his office desk. Also on his cellphone, Mr. Konishi is heard saying his full name.
- It is revealed in the Disney Adventures Magazine that the reason Al is obsessed with toys is because he was never allowed to play with them as a kid.
- Wayne Knight, who voices Al, also voices Emperor Zurg in Buzz Lightyear of Star Command.
- A mystery in the Toy Story universe is how Al got back to Tri County the following morning after he left for Tokyo, Japan. He is seen in a commercial viewed by Hamm very downcast and sobbing. The answer…perhaps it was the only solution to show Al getting his just dues of stealing Woody from Andy.
Emperor Zurg
Background Basics: Emperor Zurg is the sworn enemy of the Galactic Alliance and the arch enemy of Buzz Lightyear. He is only mentioned in Toy Story and in Toy Story 2 is a minor villain. He also makes a very brief cameo appearance in Toy Story 3 during the end credits.
Nicknames: Evil Emperor Zurg (Buzz Lightyear)
Classification: Toy produced by Al’s Toy Barn by the same manufacturer as the Buzz Lightyear action figures
Voiced by: Andy Stanton, Wayne Knight (TV series)
Personality Profile: Emperor Zurg is pretty simple-minded and has one goal-destroy Buzz Lightyear! That’s what he’s manufactured to do! After being accidental knocked off the elevator in Toy Story 2, he and the Al’s Toy Barn Buzz make amends and “play catch”.
Memorable Quotes:
Zurg: “So we meet again, Buzz Lightyear, for the last time!”
Buzz: “Not today, Zurg!”
“Right now, poised at the edge of the galaxy, Emperor Zurg has been secretly building a weapon with the destructive capacity to annihilate an entire planet! I alone have information that reveals this weapons’ only weakness. And you, my friend, are responsible for delaying my rendezvous with Star Command!” ~Buzz to Woody
“No Buzz. I am your father!”
Fun Facts:
- When Buzz is talking about Emperor Zurg’s weapon to destroy an entire planet in Toy Story, it is a direct spoof to the Death Star in Star Wars. This is one of many references of the Star Wars films in the Toy Story franchise! The other big scene that is from the Empire Strikes Back is a direct quote when Zurg claims to be Buzz’s father. Buzz is the role of Luke Skywalker and Zurg as the role of Darth Vader.
- In the cartoon series, Buzz Lightyear of Star Command, Zurg is the main villain and once again states that he is Buzz’s father. Only this time he uses it just to trick Buzz and gain the upper hand. So it is likely that in reality Buzz and Zurg are not related.
Sid Phillips
“No, no, that’s Scud, you idiot! That is Sid.” ~Woody to Buzz
Background Basics: Sid Phillips is the main antagonist in Toy Story. He has a “unique” way of playing with his toys and is seen as an impending doom in the eyes of toys. He is the only human to know that toys are alive in the Toy Story universe.
Nicknames: None
Classification: Andy’s next door neighbor(Toy Story), brother of Hannah Phillips, garbage man
Hobbies: skateboarding, listening to heavy metal music, getting into trouble, destroying toys, dissembling toys
Voiced by: Erik von Detten
Personality Profile: Sid is not a true villain because he has no previous knowledge that the toys are actually alive. To the toys, though, he is seen as a monster. But Sid seems to have a lighter side (i.e. dreaming about ponies) and after all he’s just a kid.
Strengths: Um….perhaps Sid can be said to be a highly creative and artistic person. Just misunderstood by toys!
Weaknesses: He is inconsiderate, rude, and hostile to his sister, Hannah in the beginning. Also he’s prone to getting in trouble (i.e. getting kicked out of summer camp)
Defining Moment: **Spoiler Alert!!** In Toy Story 3, Sid makes a cameo appearance as the garbage man. He is wearing the same shirt he wore in Toy Story with the skull! At the very end of Toy Story 3, the toys are faced with the dilemma on how to get back home to Andy. They see Sid scatting to music (albeit not recognizing him) and Sid without knowledge of the situation redeems himself by transporting the toys back to Andy’s house.
Memorable Quotes:
Buzz: “You mean that happy child?”
Mr. Potato Head: “He ain’t no happy child.”
Rex: “He tortures toys just for fun!”
“I wanna ride the pony…”
“Aw, man! Sid Phillips reporting. Launch of the shuttle has been delayed due to adverse weather conditions at the launch site. Tomorrow’s forecast: sunny. Ha-ha-ha. Sweet dreams.”
“Oh, a survivor. Where is the rebel base? Talk! I can see your will is strong. Well, we have ways of making you talk. Where are your rebel friends now? Heh, heh.”
“‘Extremely dangerous. Keep out of reach of children.’ Cool! What am I gonna blow? Man, hey, where’s that wimpy cowboy doll?”
Fun Facts:
- Erik von Detten reprised his role as Sid again for the film as an adult. He technically has no lines, but is heard scatting to music.
- Sid Phillips was said to be inspired by a former Pixar employee who loved to disassemble toys and build strange creations.
- You would think that seeing toys come to life would scar a person for life, but Sid seems to at least changed for the better. From that point on, he stopped tormenting toys, learned to “play nice” and lived a normal childhood. Or did he?? At any rate, his life isn’t on the fast track as Sid is now a Tri County garbage man while Andy is off to college.
About SHOUT Ministries: The Seven Objectives/Covenant
The Seven Main Objectives of SHOUT IT Ministries
1) Educate believers on the issues and topics that we are faced with in today’s society
This will be done mainly through the Weekly Blogs as the topics that will be discussed are essentially limitless in nature. We’ll look at issues such as current events and how they correspond to Biblical prophecy, technologies implications on us, the false teachings in the church today, and what the Bible has to say about current issues. Plus we’ll spend a considerable amount of time looking at spiritual disciplines and spiritual living. Also they’ll be current topics discussed in the other ministries as well when needed.
2) Explore God’s Word and apply it’s truths into our daily lives
The truth can be found in God’s Word and that is where the foundation of SHOUT IT Ministries is. Living our beliefs are more important than knowing God’s Word; so we’ll constantly look into the scriptures forming a solid Biblical worldview in which to apply into our everyday lives. Application is strongly emphasized here and we’ll set our sights on not only knowing the Truth, but living and becoming truth as well.
3) Embrace our God-given talents and discover our unique personal calling
SPECIAL Ministry was created to help you in discovering your unique personal calling. If you don’t know who you are, what your strengths and weakness are, or you don’t a clear purpose in life you can’t possibly live an effective life for Christ. For more information visit the SPECIAL Blueprint.
4) Equip believers with the knowledge and understanding of the truth
The primary aim of SHOUT IT is to present the truth and that’s found in the Bible. On top of knowing the Bible there is strong evidence found elsewhere to confirm our faith. Apologetics will be discussed in blogs and an entire separate ministry in the future will be devoted to Apologetics(2013-2015). This is strongly linked to Exploring God’s Word, the 2nd objective of SHOUT IT Ministries.
5) Empower the church to reach a lost and hurting world in need of love
Through the Weekly Blogs, Truth’s Transformation, Kaleidoscope, Sound Bites, and many other of the separate ministries you’ll be presented from time to time with challenges on how to show the love of Christ to the world. Being the hands and feet is Christ is the call we must all choose to be a part of. In the Weekly Blogs, the challenge is called, “Can You Hear Me Now?” In the future ministry, Wired Without Walls, (2013-2015) the primary focus will be to help you recognize people’s needs and help you take action for the cause of Christ.
6) Establish loving, lasting relationships within the body of Christ
In the Weekly Blogs we’ll look at relationships and how to love others like Christ loves us. In the distant future there will be forums and ways to communicate with each other in order to create on-line friendships so that we can encourage, pray, support, and be accountable towards one another. These features will be available once there is a strong enough amount of readers and subscribers to this website. For now check out the SHOUT IT Ministries Facebook Community Page. This is where you’ll receive daily updates on new content, daily Sound Bites, notices on feature features, and a place to leave your comments, questions, and suggestions.
7) Experience a life of Purpose, Passion, and Potential
Lastly, SHOUT IT Ministries aim is to help you live out your life to the fullest. Christ came to give us life that is free of sin, barriers, fears, and addictions (John 10:10) This can be realized with a solid understanding of the truth, having an intimate relationship with Truth, and applying the truth to our everyday lives. All the separate ministries of SHOUT IT Ministries are designed to make this a reality in your life.
The SHOUT IT Ministries Covenant
What makes SHOUT IT Ministries unique? What sets it apart? Why should you be actively involved and subscribe to this website? Read the SHOUT IT Ministries Covenant and see why. There are seven main reasons listed as well as a list of promises to you the reader. To read this in its entirety visit:
http://shoutitforlife.com/about/shout-it-ministries-covenant/
Hear It First
Websites with Wisdom Wednesday
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
http://www.hearitfirst.com/home.aspx
Hear It First is a valuable and noteworthy source where you’ll find Christian music news, videos, upcoming release dates, tour dates, song samples, and music artists bios. Also included is exclusive interviews with your favorite artists each week and behind the scenes videos of songs. Plus if you sign up for their free newsletter you receive a free song or song(s) each week. If you love Christian music–you need to check this site out!
Taking Care of the Characters: Hamm/Bo Peep
Hamm
“And Hamm, he’ll keep your money safe, but he’s also one of the most dastardly villains of all time: Evil Dr. Porkchop!” ~Andy
Background Basics: Hamm is one of the main characters in the Toy Story trilogy. He is a plastic piggy bank who keeps Andy’s change handy and isn’t shy in voicing his opinion of a situation. He plays the know-it-all, one-line comic relief.
Nicknames: Evil Dr. Porkchop! (Andy), uncultured swine (Mr. Potato Head), musical hog (demo Buzz), slotted pig (Al’s Toy Barn Buzz)
Classification: Andy’s Toy
Hobbies: playing battleship, keeping change within his contents, playing the harmonica, hat collector
Connections to Characters:
Strongest Relationships: Mr. Potato Head’s best friend, Andy
Other: a new budding friendship with Buttercup (end credits of Toy Story 3)
Enemies: Briefly, Woody, in Toy Story
Through Andy’s Eyes: Hamm is the top villain and nemesis of Woody depicted in his playtime as he was growing up. He is known as Evil Dr. Porkchop. Most kids would have not played with a piggybank (especially with change inside), but Hamm is treasured by Andy as one of his favorite toys. Andy had a very unique, special way of viewing the world….
Voiced by: John Ratzenberger
Personality Profile: Hamm is a wide-cracking realist who tells it like he sees it. He shares a similar view of that his best friend, Mr. Potato Head, and is most knowledgeable of the toys on the outside world.
Strengths: He is smart, able to carry a lot of change, and loyal to his friends, especially Mr. Potato Head.
Weaknesses: Hamm shares a lot of the same flaws as his best friend, Mr. Potato Head. He is quick to give is opinion about someone and often comes across as rude. He shows no remorse when Woody is missing and is happy to see he got his just due. But similar to Mr. Potato Head, experiences guilt when his assumptions are proven wrong and resolves his differences with Woody.
Memorable Quotes:
“Come on, let’s see how much we’re going on eBay.”
“Have you heard of Kung Fu? Well then, get ready for pork chops!”
“How about a ham sandwich…with fries and a hot dog?”
“I knew there was something I didn’t like about that chicken.”
“That’s Mr. Evil Dr. Porkchop to you!”
Fun Facts:
- Hamm makes a brief cameo in Cars and appears as a car in the closing credits
- John Ratzenberger is Pixar’s “good luck charm” and voices a character in every single Pixar film to date, but Hamm is his most recognizable and noteworthy role.
- It is clearly seen, but not mentioned, that Andy seemed to have lost Hamm’s original stopper and it’s now a wine cork instead in the Toy Story films.
- When Hamm is seen changing the channels rapidly in Toy Story 2, various clips of Pixar shorts and commercials are featured, along with the old Pixar logo–it’s very hard to catch this unless you have very good eyes!
Bo Peep
“Remember, I’m just a couple of blocks away.”
Background Basics: Bo Peep is a porcelain figurine who appears in Toy Story and Toy Story 2. She’s based on the nursery rhyme character of Little Bo Peep. She does not appear in Toy Story 3, other than a very brief cameo.
Nicknames: None
Classification: Molly’s toy/Andy’s toy, donated/given away after Toy Story 2
Hobbies: Watching over her sheep
Connections to Characters:
Strongest Relationships: Woody’s girlfriend in Toy Story and Toy Story 2
Other: naturally has a close bond to her sheep
Enemies: None
Through Andy’s Eyes: As mentioned in the Fun Facts section below, Bo Peep is technically Molly’s toy from the beginning but played with by Andy. She is seen as the “damsel in distress” and Woody is always the hero who saves the day.
Voiced by: Annie Potts
Personality Profile: Bo Peep is sassy in nature, but calm and collected when stress may arise. She’s quick to share her opinion, smart, and practical as well.
Strengths: She’s very loyal to her friends, especially Woody standing by his side despite the excitement over Buzz in the first Toy Story movie. She’s also a peacemaker and not easily persuaded to take sides.
Memorable Quotes:
“You’re cute when you care.”
“Oh, Woody, if only you could see how much Andy misses you.”
“I found my moving buddy!”
“I know Andy’s excited about Buzz, but you know, he’ll always have a special place for you.”
Fun Facts:
- The exact reference of Bo Peep is the fairy tale, The Shepherdess and The Sweep, by author Hans Christian Andersen. This story was similar because the toys came to life when no one was looking just like Toy Story.
- Originally it was going to be a Barbie doll that was going to be Woody’s girlfriend in the original Toy Story, but Mattel refused to license the character to Disney. Of course, Mattel gave permission to Pixar after the phenomenal success of Toy Story and Barbie dolls appear in many scenes throughout Toy Story 2 and 3.
- In Toy Story, Bo Peep is played with by Andy, but technically Molly’s toy. Molly is not present but Bo Peep is clearly still Molly’s toy. So who did she belong to? I guess you could make a case that Andy borrowed Bo Peep for playtime purposes (in both Toy Story and Toy Story 2)–there is no clear cut answer.
- In Toy Story 3 she briefly mentioned by Rex and Woody about being given away–by whom and who to? An answer isn’t given.
- Bo Peep appears in Toy Story 3: The Video Game and is voiced by Annie Potts.
Act On It
Together Transforming Tomorrow Tuesday
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Over the past several weeks, we have looked at The I Heart Revolution site that helps people in bringing social justice and love to their neighbors, communities, and those in desperate need. First, look at the causes of what needs to be addressed in today’s society: http://www.i-heart.org/causes.php. Next, go through the ideas to give you creative inspiration in helping others: http://www.i-heart.org/change.php?strtype=idea. The next step is to look through the actions and projects on projects in social justice that are put in place:
http://www.i-heart.org/change.php?strtype=action
http://www.i-heart.org/change.php?strtype=project
You’re able to search through them in the same way you do through the ideas page. You can support each ministry, share with others through social media, and view related actions. Next week, we’ll look at how you can personally create a profile and get started! And finish our look at The I Heart Revolution in a couple of weeks.
About SHOUT Ministries: The Slogan/Seven Principles
The Slogan: “Know the Truth. Live the Truth. Be the Truth.”
We believe that the Christian life is a continual process of these three phases:
1) Learn and Know what you Believe
2) Apply what you Believe and Grow Spiritually
3) Transform and Become more like Christ
The key repeating element is Truth. Without Truth we cannot possibly make wise decisions, live with conviction in what we do, or develop and mature in our relationship with the Truth Himself, Jesus Christ. By carrying out this process throughout our daily lives we can be the change, hope, and light to a world in desperate need of love. Transformation starts with Truth and ends with Truth. We are created to become like Christ learning to love and serve the way He did. Although we cannot achieve this aim fully here on earth, we need to all strive to reflect and mirror our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, more every day! “Know the Truth. Live the Truth. Be the Truth!”
The Seven Principles of SHOUT IT
Here is a Brief Overview of the Seven Principles that are the foundation of SHOUT IT Ministries:
Stand Up
The first principle begins with the essentials. This principle is about forming your worldview and building a foundation of your faith, discovering your identity, and facing your fears.
Holiness
This covers your relationship with Christ through the act of surrender, service, and seeking His ways. Becoming like Christ is core compotent of this life. Not to bring glory to ourselves, but in return glorify the only One worthy of our praise, Jesus Christ. Ultimately, our sole pursuit in life needs to be falling in love with Christ.
Outrageous
The term outrageous is usually conveyed in a negative sense, but here it’s a put back in a positive light. What if you choose to live your life on purpose? What if you left no regrets, living each day as if it was your last? This principle covers the three tenses of your life: Your past, present, and future; and how to live the life your were meant to live. When you follow through, it’ll truly be seen as outrageous to people! May we live in light of such a time is this! To live lives of passion, purpose, conviction, and love.
Unite
At the core of SHOUT IT, is unite, which is about love, relationships, and coming together as the body of Christ. The greatest two commandments are to love God and to love people. Nothing is more important. In this principle, unconditional love, communication, and loyalty are all covered.
Thankfulness
To cap off the first word, SHOUT, is the principle, Thankfulness. This principle is a call to live a lifestyle of worship to God through the act of showing gratitude towards Him, taking part of what He has given us, and being a steward of everything you own. You’ll soon discover that you don’t own anything, you are entrusted by God to use everything in your possession for His glory and kingdom. Everything is a gift and gifts are to be enjoyed and used well.
Integrity
The “IT” has the primary aim to bring the lost to Christ. This cannot be done without integrity. Being who you proclaim to be at all times is critical. It all comes back to knowing what you believe and being able to live it out. To live a life of honor. To take a stand against compromise. Taking courage in the call of Christ.
Tell Them
Last, but not the least, is the action of telling others about Christ. Evangelism isn’t optional and just for people involved in the missions field. It’s something we all must be a part of. We can carry out the Great Commission by showing love to others, telling others of our personal testimony, and by telling them the gospel message of Christ.
About SHOUT Ministries: Overview/Seven Core Problems
Know the Truth. Live the Truth. Be The Truth.
Overview
“SHOUT IT” is a simple, short, yet powerful statement that is a call to live a life of purpose, passion, conviction, and love. “SHOUT IT” begins and ends with TRUTH. We believe the single greatest reason why the church is not effectively reaching the lost and loving others is because we have neglected the truth. Thus we as the body of Christ are failing to understand want we believe and more importantly fail to live out what we believe. This is where the slogan for SHOUT IT Ministries comes from. “Know the Truth. Live the Truth. Be the Truth.” -is a three-tiered process in the Christian faith. First, you must fully grasp your faith and why you believe what you believe, then you must take those truths and apply them into your daily life. By living out what you believe you begin to transform and become more like Christ. The phrase, “SHOUT IT”, is an acrostic covering seven principles that encompass this slogan: Stand Up, Holiness, Outrageous, Unite, Thankfulness, Integrity, and Tell Them. The first word, SHOUT, focuses on your relationship you have with yourself, God, and the church. The second word, IT, focuses on loving the lost and introducing them to Gospel of Jesus Christ. SHOUT ITis in all caps because every principle is equally important and no single principle is more important than the others. All need to be carried out to “Shout” our lives to the world and us apart for a life completely devoted to Christ. Also because to shout something is to grab their attention and that’s what happens when we put these principles into practice. In essence, all seven principles need to be carried out in order to effectively live the life God meant for us to live. Listed below is the seven core problems we currently face as the Body of Christ.
The Seven Core Problems We’re Facing as a Church
Emphasis on Entertainment
Christianity is rapidly becoming a form of marketing. Jesus is no more than an icon to sell things and seen as a novel concept. We strive to have Christ been seen as “cool” and ”hip.” Christianity as become a brand over a call to follow Christ. In the church, we crave excitement and adrenaline that entertainment brings us along as we want to stay in our own comfort zones. We’re too self-absorbed into our own little worlds to see the larger picture that there’s a world in need and in desperate need of our love.
Culture Creatures
The church is dangerously blending itself with our society. The gap between the church and unbelievers isn’t so big anymore and there’s almost no difference at all. Our lifestyles are almost no different and it’s crippling the effectiveness of drawing people to Christ. This includes divorce rates, our lifestyles, the media we emerge ourselves in, and our eating habits. This is driving people away from the church and it must be addressed as a serious problem.
Cotton Candy Philosophy
This is other known as the wealth and health gospel. These false teachings are often sugar coded today into what seems to be harmless self-help books, seminars, and sermons. The truth has been twisted so much that a growing number of Christians believe that God exists solely to give them the life they want, full of blessings, pleasures, and happiness. Only one side of the gospel is presented and the core fundamentals are thrown out the window. Sin, death, the cross, and forgiveness as ignored to bring in the masses. This is why the church is weak in America–it’s foundation is frail and faulty.
Worship Wars
Many churches are being divided because there is a great debate on which type of worship is correct. Is it hymnals, contemporary, or modern? What’s lost is that God loves all styles of music and the heart of worship is bringing glory, honor, and praise to His name. Also lost is the concept that worship is more than just the music on Sunday mornings. It’s a lifestyle that encompasses every aspect of our lives. There are also civil wars within the church on the right translation of the Bible, over traditions, teaching styles, and everything in between. Legalism is preferred over grace. A holier-than-thou attitude is a result. Is it any wonder then why non-believers are so turned off by Christians?
Busyness Over Biblical Base Building
It’s becoming a disturbing trend on the growing number of believers who are biblically illiterate. This is simply mind-blogging considering there are a vast amount of translations, study bibles, and resources to present the gospel than ever before in human history. Most can say they have multiple Bibles that they own, but they’re left on a shelf untouched collecting dust. This is a sad state of irony we are in. Often it’s our schedules that put to blame. Things like television, texting, the internet, and videogames have taken the place of the spending time with God. Without a solid foundation the church is cracking at the seams; becoming a much easier target for the enemy. Thus we are prone to accept the world’s teachings on what’s right and wrong distorting our judgment. We are weak minded because we don’t understand or even know what we believe! This needs to change or the foundation of the church will crumble to pieces completely.
Passive Praying Vs. Purpose-Driven Participant
Being an active participant in the body of Christ is lost among the church today. Instead of serving our communities, offering a help hand, serving others with love; we choose the easy way out by saying we’ll pray for someone or just throwing money in offering to keep ourselves from feeling guilty. It’s not that these practices are wrong, it’s just our priorities are mixed up. Apathy, ignorance, and indifference all are contributing factors. Materalism and pursuit of pleasure are as well. We need to return to the “Bravehearted” Gospel. To become heroes and take on the face of lions. We hold the power to change the world; it’s time to rise up and allow the Holy Spirit to take hold of our lives.
Tolerance Over Truth
Postmodernism, secular humanism, and evolution have crept into our teachings, culture, society, and schools. And slowly been accepted as truth with no or little resistance. What’s even worse is that many believers accept these as truths without question and add them into the correct Biblical worldview. This has created weak convictions for the faith and a very confused, weak, and often lost generation with no foundation to build on. Without a solid ground of truth, the church cannot intellectually reach people in need of Christ or live lives of clarity, passion, and purpose. Christianity needs to be viewed in the context of a worldview. A worldview built upon the Word of God, the Bible.
