The Digital Version of the Nativity Story

Here is a cool "modern" version of the Nativity Story... I hope you all are enjoying the Christmas Season, and that we all don't those sight of the true reason behind Christmas even in this age of digital media!

Merry Christmas!!!

~Grace Janna Goodman~

On Tuesday 12/14/2010 at 9:50am "little" Grace was brought into this world! She was a 9 pound, 20 inch bundle of joy (and black hair)! Jessica and I are so excited for the gift of life that God has bestowed unto us and Elijah is rather excited too! Cant wait for you to meet her!

In the Delivery Room!

Proud Father & Big Brother

Hello Gracie!

Mommy & Grace

Jake Olson- Out of Sight Faith

As a young man Jake Olson has overcome the loss of both his eyes to cancer. Yet Jake's loss of sight has only increased his drive and passion for life. "it's just a new stage of my life" says Jake. Since then, Jake has inspired 10s of thousands of people at sporting events, youth rallies and business conventions. Jake's story is one of tears, struggles, pain, loss but most of all Jake's story documents his Victory over cancer through his Out of Sight Faith in GOD. Check out Jake's website @ http://outofsightfaith.ning.com/


By worldwide, 100% preshrunk cotton. Features screen print design with "Fight On" in Braille on Back, sizes S-2XL. Proceeds from this sale support the OUT OF SIGHT FAITH foundation.Jake's Out of Sight Faith foundation provides support and resources to other blind children and other initiatives.

 Buy Jake's shirt and support his foundation

Good Luck Diablos

Good Luck to Mission Viejo FCA President Josh Antol & his teammates on the Diablo football team as they take on Servite Saturday night in the Pac-5 Championship game. Live on FSN @ 7:30

Here is a cool video passed on to me by some MVHS Alum...

Drive-Thru Nativity

This is a really cool event that has only 2 days left! It is definitely worth grabbing a hot chocolate or coffee and either driving through or walking through it!

42nd Annual Drive-Thru Nativity

For more than 40 years, First Christian Church has presented the story of Christ's birth in a very unique way...in a Drive-Thru.  With the help of more than 900 volunteers, each segment of the Nativity is told in 9 specific scenes with live animals and actors, all viewed from the comfort of your own vehicle.  We invite you and your family to join us this year, for the first time or the 40th.  No matter how many times you've seen it, it's worth the wait.

December 8 & 9, 6pm-9:30pm, December 10, 6pm-10pm

Mission FCA

Yesterday about 175 students showed up to munch on some Del taco burritos and tacos, play a game and listen to our very own Nolan Graefensteiner share his testimony. We played a Christmas song game, were 18 boxes on a sheet of paper were filled with pictures that corresponded to various Christmas songs. It was fun and the students really got into it!

We then listened up as Nolan bravely shared some of the darkness from his past and how God used a true friend to help pull him out of it and in to the accepting light of Jesus Christ. It was powerful and we are sad to see Nolan leave Mission for Dana Hills but we pray he will make an impact on that campus like he did here at Mission!

are the boys winning...

or the girls?

We got seating today from the football banquet! Yea!

The Group listening to Nolan

Nolan bravely shaing his story

Marina FCA

Marina FCA was awesome this week! About 60 students were again blessed to have del taco for lunch, courtesy of our wonderful parent support team! High School Pastor Eric Nelson from Calvary Chapel Westgrove was our guest speaker and he really brought it! He shared with the kids about struggles he had growing up and how the Lord changed his life. He shared how he learned that we need to stay connected to Christ and His plan for our life will unfold. Eric really connected with this group. Good Times!!!

Pumped on Del Taco

Chow Time!

Pastor Eric Nelson

Listening Intently

**Sowers FCA**

Last Friday was our 4th huddle @ Sowers Middle School, and our last before Christmas break. About 30 students showed up for some fun Christmas themed games and to hear the word. We played a Christmas song guessing game and then had the students get into groups and decorate one person as a snowman (with toilet paper)! It was great fun and all the kids enjoyed themselves, it always fun when TP is involved!

A big thanks to Barbara Osterkamp who provides pizza for all the students! And a special thanks to Lora Cannon who came to help out! Thank you to everyone who supports the huddle at Sowers!

Some Students enjoying an after School Snack

Austin & Chandler grabbing a bite of pizza

Corralling the troupes

The Winning Snowman

Our Runner Up

Heart of an Athlete - Rocco Grimaldi

Heart of an AthleteDecember 2010
Q&A with Rocco Grimaldi
USA Hockey
Naitonal Under-18 Team

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

In August, Sports Illustrated tabbed 16 athletes as their “Stars of Tomorrow.” One of those talented, young competitors was 17-year-old Rocco Grimaldi, who has accumulated a long list of athletic achievements even though he’s still in high school. This month, we discovered that there’s more to this young hockey phenom than great puck-handling skills. One thing? His desire to bring Christ to the world of hockey one teammate at a time.

STV: What was it like being in Sports Illustrated as just a 17-year-old?RG: Obviously that opportunity was from God, and I feel really blessed. I know a lot of people—especially kids my age—don’t get that chance. So, it was a real honor that they chose me out of all the kids who play hockey.

STV: Do you feel any pressure playing for the USA Hockey development team and being dubbed a future hockey star?RG: It’s a great feeling having the USA on my chest and representing the nation. But while it’s a great honor to represent our country, I don’t feel pressured by it. God has blessed me with it, and if I keep glorifying Him, He will continue to bless me. He’s already blessed us all with His Son’s blood, and His grace has already been given to us; it’s just a matter of us accepting it. I think things like SI are different blessings, and I appreciate 

“...while it’s a great honor to represent our country, I don’t feel pressured by it. God has blessed me with it...”

those things but in a smaller way when compared to Christ.

STV: When did you begin your relationship with Christ?RG: When I was 4, my mom asked me if I wanted to accept Christ, and she told me, in words I could understand, what that meant. I asked Him into my life right then, and I’ve been growing in my faith ever since. My grandma was a really big factor in that as well, always teaching me little things and giving me verses to read and study.

These past two years have been the biggest years of my life regarding my faith. We are plugged into a good church, and I have friends who build me up, and I build them up. A couple of summers ago, a Bible teacher challenged me to read the entire Bible in 90 days. I did, and it has done wonders for me because God showed me many amazing things.

All of those things—having a church life, continuing to read and study the Bible, and having people in my life like my parents, my grandma and my sister—have really helped build my faith.

STV: Have you been able to share your faith with your teammates?RG: Absolutely. With all of the hockey camps I go to for the U.S., I’ve had the chance to minister to every roommate I’ve had. Several of them have even accepted Christ. I also had a roommate at the Under-18 World Championships who asked Christ into his heart the day before the gold-medal game. That was cool. Kids are always asking me why I don’t swear and why I don’t do certain other things, and it’s good when they start asking questions like that. I try to live it out and, as it says in the Bible, do all things for God. I try to use my hockey ability and play for Him.

STV: How have you been involved with FCA?RG: I’m in FCA at school and have made some really good friends. It’s a great thing, especially in public schools where you don’t hear about God in the classroom. It’s cool to then go to a class and know you are around fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

About the Athlete Hometown: Rossmoor, Calif. Team: USA Hockey National Under-18 Team Position: Forward Notes:• World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, Gold Medalist (2010) • IIHF World Under-18 Championship, Gold Medalist (2010) FCA Staff Quote:“I’m excited to see what the Lord has in store for Rocco over the next several years. His dedication and determination to both the game of hockey and our Lord Jesus Christ makes him a true role model for hockey players of all ages.” – Rick Randazzo, National Director, FCA Hockey Ministry

Peyton Carter Fundraiser

Come Support Peyton and his Family

::EHS FCA::

Edison huddle went off today with about 150 students showing up to play some games and listen to our speaker, Dylan. The students got to play pass the hula-hoop down the line, where the students grab hands and have to get the hula-hoop from one end of the line to the other. We were then treated to a great talk on following God's path for our lives and walking the straight and narrow by Dylan, an Edison Alum & leader at The Rock Bible study (@ Beachcities). We had 3 volunteers bake cookies for the students who were loving it!

Thank You to all the volunteers and youth pastors who came out to support Edison FCA today! We couldn't do it without you!!!

Next Huddle Dec. 16!!! Wear your ugliest Christmas Sweater!!!!

~ HBHS FCA ~

HBHS FCA had our first meeting since Thanksgiving and the leaders surprised everyone with some homemade dessert treats! After getting everyone up and going with the "Human Knot" game the students were blessed to have FCA Regional Director of Ministries Barry Martinez come share with them! Barry told them stories about his HS freshman football, and the disappointments he faced and how it relates to life and living for Christ! It is safe to say we all really enjoyed welcoming Barry to HBHS!

A big Thank You goes out to all the leaders for preparing Dessert for us and for the parents who continue to donate money for pizza! You are all awesome!

Our next meeting is Dec. 15 Wear your favorite Ugly Christmas Sweater!!!

Peyton Carter's Story

By now many of you may have heard about Peyton, the freshman at Newport Harbor HS and the car accident he was in in Huntington Beach. If you have not yet heard his story, hear it is...

Peyton was in a car crash on Friday November 5, 2010. He was a passenger in a car driving home from a friends house that night. The driver swerved and lost control of his car hitting a brick wall on Peyton's side of the car. There were no drugs or alcohol involved and it was truly an accident. He immediately went unconscious on impact and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Peyton was placed in an induced coma, and the doctors from UCI Medical Center and CHOC worked diligently to safe his life. 

The days following the accident were extremely difficult for those closest to Peyton. As Peyton fought for his life, those closest to him were left to pray and  rely on the peace only our Heavenly Father can give. Here are some updates directly from the family... 

Nov 10, 2010 - "Peyton continues to fight for his life.  On Monday the 8th, his doctors performed surgery on him to relieve some  of the pressure on his brain."

Nov 12, 2010 - "Please pray for success and stability as his body begins to experience               consciousness."

Nov 13, 2010 - "Praise God !Your prayers are being heard and Peyton is doing well!"

Nov 16, 2010 - "His eyelids are moving and his eyes are twitching more each day.  His team (you and me included) are encouraged ."

Nov 18, 2010 - "God is showing up and answering prayers. Peyton is breathing on his own!He has even been playing ball from his bed!"

Nov 24, 2010 - "His newest accomplishment is the ability to reach down, bring his foot near and put a sock on  and off his foot" 

Nov 28, 2010 - "He has taken a couple of walks with a walker!  He can put on his own tee shirt!  He has eaten bits of food - dining on cream of wheat this morning."

Dec 1, 2010 - "He is doing so well so rapidly that they are going to discharge him tomorrow to go home!  The hope is that he will continue to heal even faster at home with his comfortable and familiar setting not to mention regular daily life with little sister and dog."

The day before Thanksgiving

  

That is just a quick glimpse into the past month in the life of Peyton Carter. Peyton has made a most miraculous recovery and all the thanks and glory belongs to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is by his grace and power that Peyton has made and exceeded all expectations for his recovery. As Peyton still has a long road of therapy and recovery ahead of him please keep him and his family in your Prayers!

" I am praying to you because I know you will answer, O God.    

 Bend down and listen as I pray.
Show me your unfailing love in wonderful ways." Ps 17:6-7a

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I hope that you have a wonderful day eating and spending time with family and friends! Thank you for your support and prayers for FCA, I am thankful for your partnership!

Here is a humorous skit by the "Skit Guys" a Christian drama group. I hope you enjoy it...

I am Second® - Ken Hutcherson

 Pastor Ken "Hutch" Hutcherson is a great man of God who fights and stands firm in what he believes. Pastor Hutch played in the NFL for 4 years as a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers and the Seattle Seahawks. He is now the senior pastor of Antioch bible church in Kirkland, WA. He has an amazing testimony of the redemptive and transforming power of the love of Jesus Christ.

EHS Huddle - Nov. 18

Edison High School FCA played host to 175 students today! Feeding them pizza, and homemade brownies and cookies! The student leaders led an interactive version of "Hot Potato" that helped the students get to know each other better. Then after the game one of our leaders Rayan Mustafa shared his testimony with everyone. He shared about the emptiness in his heart before he found the Lord, and how he had tried to fill it other things like popularity. He encouraged everyone to find their hope in the Lord and not the things of this earth. Good work Rayan!

Thanks to all the volunteers who showed up to serve the Students! Our next huddle is December 2nd @ lunch in Room 317! See you there!

This guy was pumped on the potato...

Rayan sharing with  175 of his peers

Rayan's theme verse is Matthew 5:30

Our new EHS FCA T-Shirt ($10)

Thanks for sharing Rayan

MVHS Huddle - Nov. 17

The FCA huddle @ Mission Viejo went off today! About 200 students filled the room and came to enjoy round table pizza, a game and an awesome testimony. Matt and Jordan, two of our awesome leaders, led a game where the contestants had to find items in the crowd of students. Then we were treated to an inspiring testimony of Christs love, from former Washington Husky Linebacker Josh Gage.

Thanks to all the parents who provided pizza and came to support the huddle today! Our next huddle is December 8th @ lunch in the MPR!!! See you there!

Pizza & Brownies, some of lives greatest pleasures

Josh Antol welcomes his fellow students

Matt & Josh leading the game

the students listen to Josh

Former Husky "Backer" Josh Gage

Verse of the Week

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 

James 1:2-4

 

 

Marina FCA/The Flood - Nov. 16

Today was another awesome huddle @ Marina High School FCA. I got to share my testimony in front of about 50 students, parents and teachers! It is so exciting to be working alongside these students as they impact there campus for Christ!

But... on a more somber note, we said goodbye to Megan Carr, the FCA area rep for the past 2 years. . Megan will be missed, but the students had a chance to bid her farewell and pray for her today at the meeting! Thanks for your service Megan!!!

And again, a huge THANK YOU to all the Parents who provided and came out to serve the kids a feast today. The students were treated to Costco Pizza, chips and salsa, and dessert @ today's huddle! THANK YOU!

Sharing my Testimony

Praying for Megan

Packed room all lifting up Megan

Gotta love Costco Pizza!!!

Bethany Hamilton- Pro Surfer/Shark Attack Survivor

Hopefully many of you have seen this or heard about Bethany before, but I thought this video was worth sharing. It is cool to hear about other athletes who battle and persevere in the name of Jesus!

Heart of an Athlete - Rachal Hockaday

Heart of an AthleteNovember 2010

Q&A with Rachel HockadayIowa State University Volleyball, Outside Hitter

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” – Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
This season hasn’t exactly turned out the way Iowa State volleyball player Rachel Hockaday planned. As a junior outside hitter, Hockaday was set to be a key component in the Cyclones’ success but suffered a season-ending knee injury just 12 points into the first match of the year. As STV’s November “Heart of an Athlete,” Hockaday had fielded our interview before the season, but, after the circumstances changed, she was kind enough to give us a few more minutes on the phone and tell us how the Lord has worked through this new challenge.


STV: When we last spoke, the season was about to begin and you had high expectations. What went through your mind when you got hurt?RH: The first thing was disappointment that my season was over. I had jumped for a hit—something I had done a million times—but I landed weird on my left foot, and I knew something was wrong right away.
STV: Given your faith in the Lord, how has your perspective on the injury changed over time?RH: Watching instead of playing has definitely given me a different perspective. I used to apply Ephesians 6:10 (“…be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power,” NIV) to my performance during games. Now I have a new role on the team: to be a leader and stay strong by cheering the team on from the bench.

"This injury has given me a chance to show the other girls on the team that my life isn’t over.

This injury has given me a chance to show the other girls on the team that my life isn’t over. It is a faith-tester and a time for building my character because I know that God has a plan even greater than what I pictured at the beginning of the season.
STV: How does your faith affect your relationship with your teammates?RH: Many of my teammates are strong in their faith already but want to know more. We recently watched The Case for Christ video by Lee Strobel, which was great, and we just started reading the book of Ruth, which has generated a lot of questions. And hopefully through the positive light in our lives, others will see it and want to be a part of it, too.
STV: How has being involved with FCA helped you share your faith?RH: After going to FCA my freshman year, I started growing closer with the people and getting to know Kevin Lykins, our FCA leader. Later in the year, he invited me to the leadership group meetings. I was nervous at first because I didn’t know if I could actually stand up in front of people and share my faith. But Kevin and the other leaders have helped me along the way. I’m comfortable sharing as a leader now and am encouraged that most of my teammates come to the FCA meetings and to our team Bible studies at the Lykins’ house.
This summer I also served as a coach at a weeklong FCA Power Camp in Ames (Iowa). The girls ranged in age from third grade to junior high. It was awesome helping them play their sports and teaching them about the Lord.
STV: How have you changed spiritually since coming to Iowa State?RH: I’ve definitely grown and matured, and God has put so many great people in my life here and given me so many great opportunities. I grew up in a Christian home, and I’ve always been around church, but it wasn’t until I got to college my freshman year that I really started growing in my faith, especially through FCA.
Now, God is the center of my life—in sports and school. As athletes, we can get caught up in the importance of winning, but, in the end, all that matters is our relationship with Christ.