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[☆PastoЯ☆Rob☆]

Robert Gurule


Last Updated: 11/5/2009

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Gender: Male
Status: Engaged
Age: 35
Sign: Gemini

City: Pueblo West
State: Colorado
Country: US
Signup Date: 11/28/2005

Blog Archive
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November 7, 2009 - Saturday 


March 20, 2009 - Friday 


http://adammclane.com/2009/03/20/how-do-we-get-to-...

Funny I came across this entry from ol' Adam McLane .. ... I've started a leadership study with the YM3.0 book... R~

January 28, 2009 - Wednesday 

Current mood:  crazy
Category: Religion and Philosophy




MOSAIC's Superbowl Party!

Hello teens & parents!

Please note the new location of our Superbowl Party!
2### G######## V### Dr., Pueblo West, CO 81007
It's located off the 4th Hwy 50 exit in Pueblo West.


When: February 1st - 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: The Heath's Home

Who: Teens of Pueblo County - Grades 6 thru 12
Cost: only $3.00 at the door.

Watch the game on a 15 foot screen!
Play the latest video games in a state-of-the-art game room!
Stuff your face with food + snacks!
What else could you ask for?


Any questions? Call/text/email me!

<><

Robert Gurule
Youth/Associate Pastor
Amazing Grace Fellowship
MOSAIC youth ministries
www.mosaicyouth.com





Currently listening:
The Renaissance
By Q-Tip
Release date: 2008-11-04
November 26, 2008 - Wednesday 

Current mood:  fascinated
Category: Jobs, Work, Careers
:: Becoming

I was recently at the salon of all salons (Studio 127, shameless plug), waiting for the fabulous Terre to cut & style my hair (and what an incredible job she always does, too!).

So as I waited I was reading a magazine article about the local art scene in a certain European city when a statement by an artist caught my attention. He said that the city is in a perpetual state of becoming.  He added that it was the creative chaos associated with that state of becoming that attracted him to relocate to that city.

I feel that my ministry to young people is similar to that European city. "A perpetual state becoming" really sums up how I've been feeling lately. I've often wondered if we'll ever really arrive... if we'll ever really be what we want to become. To be honest, this notion had been bothering me.

I'm at that five year mark as a youth pastor, and even though we've grown in so many areas and have had so many successes, youth ministry remains a messy and chaotic city at times.

However, this article gave me a refreshing perspective and helped me reframe my ministry. Maybe we're never meant to "arrive" and maybe it's the creative chaos that keeps us unsettled, which leads to growing and evolving. The perpectual state of "becoming" keeps you from getting stuck in one place or one narrow way of thinking. Keeps you on your toes and forces you to either innovate or stagate.

I'm learning to embrace the chaos. Afterall, I believe it was that chaos that drew me to youth work 13 years ago.

Be patient with me. I'm in a perpetual state of becoming.... and I like it.

Robert
Currently reading:
Why Great Men Fall
By Wayde Goodall
Release date: 2005-06-20
November 5, 2008 - Wednesday 

Current mood:  distraught
Category: News and Politics
:: Bail Organa



I know how ya feel, Bail... I know how ya feel.

Robert

Currently listening:
Cutting Edge
By Delirious
Release date: 2000-10-10
October 19, 2008 - Sunday 

Current mood:  anxious
Category: Blogging
:: Rob Not Blogging?

My blog audience may be wondering why I have not been blogging lately... It's not that I don't want to blog anymore; blogging is still something that I value and want to continue doing, even if it's just for myself... but this little comic I stumbled upon pretty much sums up my recent departure from the blogosphere...

Haha. Yes, I've been loving the Twittersphere!

Follow me at
http://twitter.com/RobertGurule
or text "Follow RobertGurule" to 40404.

Don't know what Twitter is or how it works? Watch this short video for enlightenment, young ones... lol



Thoughts on Twitter and or blogging? Comment!

Robert

Currently watching:
Obsession: Radical Islam’s War Against the West
Release date: 2007-09-11
September 12, 2008 - Friday 

Current mood:  quiet
Category: Religion and Philosophy
:: Tired?

Last night's MOSAIC was such a struggle to prepare for. I don't know why, but I found myself being so tired yesterday, both mentally and physically, so I decided to discuss the topic of being tired and what the Bible has to say about it. Another practical message from God's word that really seemed to hit home. Although school just started a few weeks ago, seems that the majority of my students are battling fatigue... already!

Anyway, just thought I'd share my notes:

MOSAIC youth gathering
Wednesday September 10, 2008
Pastor Robert Gurule

Title: I'm Tired!

Intro: Last week we talked about "stress" and how to achieve balance in our lives. Tonight we'll talk about "fatigue."
Life is busy, we're always taking on more, there's more to take in. Statistics say that 80% of teens do not get adequate sleep. Even technology is taking time away from our rest.

1. Get your rest!

Psalm 127:2

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Without proper rest you will battle:
a.    Crankiness

b.    Poor grades
c.    Depression
d.    Being sleepy at the wheel (if you are a driver).

2. Being tired will keep you from God.

Proverbs 6:9-11 (NKJV)

9 How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
      When will you rise from your sleep?
10 A little sleep, a little slumber,
      A little folding of the hands to sleep—
11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,
      And your need like an armed man.

Being tired and lazy leads to poverty, financial and spiritual!

When you don't get proper rest you will be:
a. too tired to pray 

b. too tired to read the bible
c. too tired to go to church
d. too tired to serve in ministry

Don't let improper rest keep you from God's best for your life.

3. Trust in the Lord!

Place your hope in Him and He will renew your strength and energize you! He will help you prioritize!
 

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NIV)

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Close: Are you tired of running on empty? Are you tired of never being satisfied? Come to Christ tonight and he will give you rest!

Any thoughts?

Robert 
Currently listening:
Testify
By P.O.D.
Release date: 2006-01-24
September 11, 2008 - Thursday 

Category: Life
:: Seasons

Life is life. I understand that there are seasons of increase and seasons of drought. Things move in cycles. God gives and He takes away. We reap and we sow. I understand this...

And the future, well, it's always moving; never still; never quiet. Always shuffling and shifting.

"Always in motion the future is." - Yoda. :)

It's a mystery to me why some things in life continually move forward while other things spiral round and round. Still, other things drop right off the radar for no apparent reason. How can one breath be so crisp and refreshing while the next is stuffy and stale?

"Remember your defense. Points come. Concentrate. Focus power. Remember balance. Make good fight!" -Mr. Miyagi

Just some thoughts, all be them abstract, that are helping me wrestle with a few matters...

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." -Christ

There we go. That's it right there... Now only if I could do that better...

An aspiring loser,

Robert
Currently reading:
A Tale of three Kings: A Study in Brokenness
By Gene Edwards
September 7, 2008 - Sunday 

Current mood:  chipper
Category: News and Politics
:: Love It

You may have seen this earlier in the week, but I can't get enough of this. Say what you say about Newt, but I love the way he owned this uninformed reporter.



Checkmate,

Robert
Currently reading:
Getting Fired for the Glory of God: Collected Words of Mike Yaconelli for Youth Workers
By Mike Yaconelli
August 26, 2008 - Tuesday 

Current mood:  anxious
Category: Religion and Philosophy
:: To Pray Or Not To Pray?

Opening night of the Democratic National Convention was interesting for many reasons, but one thing in particular caught my attention.

Cameron Strang, CEO of Relevant Media Group, accepted the invitation to give the benediction/prayer for opening night, but later declined. In his place, Donald Miller, Christian Author and speaker, gave the benediction, which I thought was very good.


"I make these requests in the name of Your son Jesus, who gave his own life against the forces of injustice.
Let Him be our example…Amen"



I subscribe to Strang's publication,
Relevant Magazine, and I follow him on Twitter. One thing I have always admired about Relevant is their desire to engage the culture with the message of Jesus Christ. What better way to engage the culture than by speaking to and praying with and for the DNC?

Strang was on FOX News' Hannity & Colmes tonight and he said didn't want for himself or his company to appear to be endorsing a candidate. I agree with that. As a pastor, I have to remember that I represent Amazing Grace Fellowship, it's leadership and parishoners. Last thing I would want is for AGF to be labeled as a "Democratic" organization.

When asked why he accepted the invitation, Miller said, "Somebody calls you and asks you to pray, you do."
(Christianity Today).

On his
website tonight, Miller states, "Evangelical voices have been scarce within this party, perhaps since the Carter administration. But as strides are being made .. issues of sanctity of life and social justice, as well as peaceful solutions to world conflicts, more and more evangelicals are taking a closer look at options certain members of the Democratic Party are beginning to deliver." I can agree with that, too.
We the church are God's voice to our nation.

...but here's the thing. Miller is a self-employed author who represents himself. Strang is the head of an organization he represents. Both have a national platform from which they represent Christianity.

Should Miller, who influences Christians and non-Christians, have declined the opportunity for the concern of inadvertently influencing people to vote Obama?

Should Strang have accepted the invitation to cause people to stop and reflect on what is important; to perhaps see the bigger picture? Also, to invite Jesus to guide and bless what is discussed this week at the DNC?

If I was asked (as if) to pray at the DNC, what would I have done? As an individual with a passion to know Jesus and make Him known, I would have loved the opportunity! However, as a pastor, I would have declined because I represent the church where I pastor, it's leadership and people.

So in a situation like this, who do you decide to influence or not influence?

Did Strang and/or Miller do the right or wrong thing tonight?

What would you have done?


Robert
p.s.
By the way, I am an independent. ;)

Currently reading:
Wild Goose Chase: Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God
By Mark Batterson
Release date: 2008-08-19
August 23, 2008 - Saturday 

Current mood:  chill
Category: Friends
:: Plushers

It's time to retire the "plushified" from my MySpace page. However, these pics of my Disney-dork friends and I will live on in my blog archives! :)


The few, the proud, the plushified!














M. I. C. - see ya real soon!

Robert

Currently listening:
Apocalypse 91...The Enemy Strikes Black
By Public Enemy
Release date: 1994-09-06
August 20, 2008 - Wednesday 

Current mood:  anxious
Category: Religion and Philosophy
:: Wild Goose Chase



The follow-up to author/pastor Mark Batterson's "In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day" hits store shelves today! I'm pretty excited about this one and thought I'd share a little about the book; help get the buzz out! I received my copy in the mail and can't wait to read it.

Book Website:
www.chasethegoose.com

Book Summary:
Most of us have no idea where we're going most of the time. Perfect.

"Celtic Christians had a name for the Holy Spirit–An Geadh-Glas, or 'the Wild Goose.' The name hints at mystery. Much like a wild goose, the Spirit of God cannot be tracked or tamed. An element of danger, an air of unpredictability surround Him. And while the name may sound a little sacrilegious, I cannot think of a better description of what it's like to follow the Spirit through life. I think the Celtic Christians were on to something….

Most of us will have no idea where we are going most of the time. And I know that is unsettling. But circumstantial uncertainty also goes by another name: Adventure." --from the introduction.

Author Bio:
Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of Washington, DC's National Community Church, widely recognized as one of America's most innovative churches. NCC meets in movie theaters at metro stops throughout the city, as well as in a church-owned coffee house near Union Station. More than seventy percent of NCC'ers are single twentysomethings who live or work on Capitol Hill. Mark is the author of the best-selling In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day and a widely read blogger (www.markbatterson.com). He lives on Capitol Hill with his wife, Lora, and their three children.

You can buy the book online at these retailers:
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com
www.borders.com
www.cbd.com
www.familychristian.com
www.parable.com

After I read it I will be sure to post a review. :)

Robert
Currently reading:
Wild Goose Chase: Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God
By Mark Batterson
Release date: 2008-08-19
August 17, 2008 - Sunday 

Current mood:  inspired
Category: Religion and Philosophy
:: Joy

I wonder what it will be like to one day enter Heaven?





Don't you want to go?

1 Corinthians 2:9
However, as it is written:
"No eye has seen,
no ear has heard,
no mind has conceived
what God has prepared for those who love him


Robert
Currently reading:
Wild Goose Chase: Reclaim the Adventure of Pursuing God
By Mark Batterson
Release date: 2008-08-19
August 9, 2008 - Saturday 

Current mood:  awake
Category: Travel and Places
:: The Journey Home Begins...


Yesterday, we got to hang out with our friend Noel Rosa and his wife and son. Good times...

It's been a great National Fine Arts... We're getting ready to check out of the Westin and make our way to Atlanta for our afternoon flight home.

Final reports:
1. Brooke's digital photo got "Superior!" Woot woot!
2. In last night's awards celebration, Ryan made the top three in the nation for the Wind/Brass Solo category! Way to go! Ryan was the only student mentioned last night from the Rocky Mountain District and Lee Terry, our DYD, said Ryan has made Colorado proud! Great accomplishment for 'Rhino!'
3. Much props to all our students, Reece, Dustin, Brooke and Ryan. Also, I am amazed at the talent that the Assemblies of God has as a whole. The future looks bright!

Welp, I'm sure the laughter will follow us all the way home. I don't think I've ever had a youth trip with this much laughter! My ribs hurt BAD! :D

See y'all when I get home...

Robert  
Currently listening:
Elvis: 30 1 Hits
By Elvis Presley
Release date: 2002-09-24
August 7, 2008 - Thursday 

Current mood:  dorky
:: Charlotte '08 - Day 3

Day three of Charlotte '08. Here are some more results...


As reported yesterday, Reece and Ryan's Instumental Ensemble received a "Superior With Honors" rating. Way to go, boys!! :)


Don't believe Brooke's rating has been posted yet for her Digital Photography piece, but I think she should do well. Her work stands out among the others in my opinion. ;)


Dustin
got "Superior" for his graphic design, which is great, but after seeing the others I personally feel that his piece should have received honors. Judging is always subjective though. ;)



Ryan
performed his Wind/Brass Solo today and brought down the house! He recieved "Superior With Honors!"


 
Again, very proud of these kids and am enjoying the extended time to pour into them this week. Having Pastor Mark & Jeanette here is a huge blessing, too!


So cool to have what I consider our sister youth group, Pueblo Praise's Flood/H2O Youth (
floodh2o.com) , here in Charlotte. It's so cool how they come and support our students for their performances and we go and support theirs. It's become "a given" for both groups over the years, and I'm very proud of them, too!

Tomorrow we are planning on hitting up Carowinds Park (
carowinds.com) for some rollercoasters and fun. We were told that it owns Six Flags! We'll see! :)   

Robert
Currently listening:
Beauty Has Grace
By Jaci Velasquez
Release date: 2005-05-03