tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64987302024-02-20T02:04:22.869-08:00SPEC 2006Seventy Bob reports from SPECTACULAR at Graceland University. Photography by Jim Doty, Jr. SPEC is sponsored by the Community of Christ.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1154182385885126332006-07-29T07:12:00.000-07:002007-07-16T07:24:37.962-07:00<b>UNTIL NEXT YEAR . . .</b><br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec9/160F_6040_HaveLove.jpg"><br /><br />Over 350 photos of SPECTACULAR are currently (July 2006) posted in several albums at <a href="http://imageevent.com/jimdoty">ImageEvent.com/JimDoty</a>. These albums will be online for several months. If you are reading this after SPEC is over, scroll down the ImageEvent page to the July 2006 SPEC albums. The photos on this blog are pulled from those albums. If you don't see any photos here, the ImageEvent site is having temporary server problems.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1154153579624102492006-07-28T23:04:00.000-07:002006-07-29T19:58:06.560-07:00<b>SPEC NEWS - July 29</b><br /><br />Good Morning Readers SPECtacular,<br /> <br />We've almost made it through another one; Friday was the last full day of SPEC, All's that's left is the packing, delegation worship and closing ceremony, and a very long drive home. It started out like a Snoopy novel, "it was a dark and foggy morning...." But the fog lifted fairly quickly.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/167F_6814_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />I kid a little about the food, but I have to say that to feed close to a thousand of us warm, nutritious food they do a pretty good job. Hat's off to the SPEC chef and assistants. Breakfast was link sausage, eggs, pancakes, and fruit again. The fresh fruit all week has been absolutely awesome. I ate lots of it.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/167F_6714_w3.jpg"><br /><br />We had morning celebration/worship on the lawn of the library where we'd just left a few hours before. Definitely a dejavu experience. On the last morning SPEC hands out all the scholarship money that has been set aside for SPEC participants. New this year is twenty one thousand dollar scholarships just for applying at SPEC (10 for juniors and 10 for seniors). Then there is the Vision Scholarships and finally the Wallace B. Smith Scholarships. These are all renewable for four years. All totaled this year Graceland gave away over a quarter million dollars in scholarships.<br /><br />Jim Mulhulland spoke to us one last time, addressing the theme Have Love for who we are. And he used one of the SPEC kids to discuss the importance of the we being Community of Christ, but also we being the larger Christian Community of which we are only a part. Jim, by the way is a Quaker. It's important to be us and have special things that make us, us. But it's also very important to sense and feel out connection and similarity to the larger we as well.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/166F_6679_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />The look at the theme continued in our first period leadership class. Our instructors had the kids take a label and write one word on it that described themselves and stick it on them. Then they were to stand and mix and find all others who had the same or very similar label. Athletic was a large group. Black was a group as were cute/sexy, loyal, bright, tall, short, funny, hippie, smart, and many others. Each group was then charged to answer three questions about themselves. 1) Who are we? 2) What do we have in common? And 3) What makes us special? Both the labels and the answers to the three questions was a fascinating character study.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/167F_6774_w3.jpg"><br /> <br />Campers rushed off to their elective classes to finish projects or try something new for the day. This reporter used the time catch up on things.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/167F_6777_w3.jpg"><br /> <br />Lunch was chicken patties, mac-n-cheese, potatoes, mixed veggies, and of course the burrito and also salad bars. I made a very large chicken salad by cutting up the chicken patties and toping the salad with them. It was good.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec9/172F_7283_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Competition started a little early because of all the games and matches that had to be played. The Rockies played for medals in two volleyball matches and a softball game. One volleyball team won Gold and the softball team won Gold. The other volleyball team won Silver. But mostly the teams had fun. A couple of our kids were drafted out to other teams because we didn't have a team for them. One of our girls won Gold on her basketball team, and we may have won a medal in golf.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec9/174F_7414_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />After supper the all camp activity was the musical performance of "You're a good man Charlie Brown." The Rockies had a couple of performers. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec9/174F_7404_w3.jpg"><br /><br />To end the evening the youth have the annual dance. This year the same company who put on the movie also used the large screen and sound system to show music videos and play dance music. You may be able to hear it if you listen. Getting the young lovers into the dorms on the last night is always a huge task.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec9/174F_7426_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Well SPEC readers, it has been another great week. This reporter very much appreciates the loyal following and interested readers. I enjoy putting together this newsletter to keep you informed about what I believe to be the very best we have to offer to our youth. I am filled with God's Spirit anytime I spend time with our (your) youth. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/165F_6596_w3.jpg"><br /><br />They are creative, gifted, strong, caring, loyal, sharp, giving and the world and the church is in good hands. I look forward to their vision and the implementation of the vision. I look forward to their leadership. I look forward to their world.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec4/163F_6332_w3.jpg"><br /><br />As you contemplate Having Love for who we are, remember that part of we that is the youth in your congregations. They want desperately to be involved in meaningful and rewarding service and activities. They want very much to be accepted, listened to, as well as guided and molded. Ask them questions, engage them in discussion, listen to what they have to say. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec7/168F_6893_w3.jpg"><br /><br />And may God bless us all, as the small we, the carefully guarded and scripted and defined we, become the unconditional, unlabeled, accepting, loving WE that Jesus called us to be. And may God add his blessing to our trying. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/168F_6817_w3.jpg"><br /><br />Until World Conference and SPEC 2007 this reporter is signing off. Pray for safe travel for all the SPEC participants until they are securely home. And pray that the effects of this week will be felt far and wide for a long time to come.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec4/163F_6350_w3.jpg"><br /><br />That's a wrap!<br /><br />Seventy Bob<br /><br /><br />SPEC photo albums are <a href="http://imageevent.com/jimdoty">here</a>.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1154104699366985262006-07-28T09:25:00.000-07:002006-07-28T14:00:49.796-07:00<b>SPEC NEWS - July 28</b><br /><br /><br />A SPECtacular morning to you good readers,<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/167F_6724_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Welcome to another great day here in Lamoni, Iowa. Thursday was the second sleep in day, for those that can do it. The built in alarm clock in this reporter takes no holiday. Life is too short to spend it sleeping. But my roommates and the campers appreciated it.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec7/168F_6860_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Breakfast looks like summer TV with re-runs the order of the day. Scrambled eggs, waffles, ham, fruit and milk filled this reporter's plate.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/166F_6693_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Since it was sleep in day the first activity was the leadership theme class where we discussed today's variation on a theme; Have Love from my God. The question was put to about a hundred campers, "What do you have to do for God to love you?" Answers varied with a few like "love others", "obey the golden rule", "be nice", "love God and love yourself", etc. Many campers got it right though. Did you? Of course the correct answer is ......? That's right, NOTHING! <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec7/168F_6858_w3.jpg"><br /><br />God created you, God loves you. And that's all you need to know. Scripture tells us that nothing can separate you from the Love of God. That's good to know if you've messed up pretty bad lately. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/166F_6684_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />The instructors used several kids in a fractures fairy tale of sorts to illustrate the theme. Some kids were a vineyard. Some wore pig noses - they were the la-bores (a little SPEC humor) and then there was the wealthy lady land owner. Some la-bores were hired first thing in the morning to work in the vineyard for a certain wage. The wealthy lady land owner went into town several times later in the day to hire more la-bores who were very bored. (ha ha) At the end of the day she started with the last hired and paid them all the same wage. The la-bores hired early were upset they didn't get more for their long hard day. While this parable isn't about justice - it is used to show God's love for all and God's generous nature.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/167F_6731_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />The kids then headed off to their elective classes. This reporter wandered around with Jim Doty and captured images of watercolor painting, book making, banner making, and leaded glass to name a few. I'm sure by now there are pictures at <a href="http://imageevent.com/jimdoty">ImageEvent.com/JimDoty</a>. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/167F_6744_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />This was about the time it started to rain. SPEC in the rain can be a slippery and often muddy mess. I was given a special treat at lunch yesterday. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/168F_6822_w3.jpg"><br /><br />A new feature at SPEC is optional steak lunch Thursday. Anyone can pay a few dollars and have a steak lunch with a wonderful grilled steak, baked potato, bread stick, and a cookie or scoop of ice cream. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec6/168F_6829_w3.jpg"><br /><br />The grill is set up right outside the Swarm In. As far as I know they have never offered that before. Jared Doty, who's the son of Jim, and for several years has been the Gunsolly Hall Director here at Graceland, bought lunch for Jim and I.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec7/170F_7002_w2.jpg"> <br /><br />Sports events started right after lunch, and yesterday was the start of tournament play. A little rain doesn't stop the fun here at SPEC (although lightning will curtail outside events). So soccer, and softball were played in the rain. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec7/170F_7007_w3.jpg"><br /><br />By the time the Rockies played softball the rain had stopped and the sun came out about half way through. Because of the heat we played a slightly shortened roster of all sports. I'm only slightly biased, but it was exciting yesterday to watch all three of the Rockies teams (2 volleyball and 1 softball) win their matches. Today they will compete for "championship of the world" in their bracket.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec8/109C_8157_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />The evening activity was the Extravaganza. It's one of the elective classes and the week is filled with practice, staging, etc. On Thursday night it is presented to the camp. It's a sort of musical/talent show kind of thing. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec8/171F_7162_w3.jpg"><br /><br /><br />Some years it's an abbreviated musical like Grease, or Disney. Other years it takes the form of unrelated acts of talent like singing, playing, dance, or creative comedy or drama. This year was more like the latter.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec8/171F_7190_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Thursday night is the second all camp worship of the week. We gathered in front of the library on the lawn for a time of music, speaking, and sharing. Jim Mulhulland talked with us about mixed messages we give as parents and also that the church and scripture often give. And he talked a little about how hard it often is to sort that all out. And how confusing. But his point that he started from and ended with is that there is nothing you can ever do to make God love you more than he does right now. And there is nothing you can ever do to make God love you any less than he does right now. That is a hard concept for us. Because we so often see love attached to, and hinged from behavior. It is easier for us to love when the other is acting properly. Evidences of love are often held back when we don't perform well. So a God who loves us when we're bad is sometimes hard to wrap our arms around.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec8/172F_7212_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />In previous years this service has been a communion service. This year it was more of an Agape meal. Bread was shared from one person to the next with a small sentence of blessing. President of the Church, Steve Veazey, shared thoughts that prepared us to receive the bread and the blessing it symbolized.<br /><br />Speaking of wrapping your arms around something, getting the kids in the dorms is harder as the week goes on because of blossoming romance. Young lovers don't want to be apart and parting is, after all, such sweet sorrow. There is much hand holding and hugging going on. Jilted lovers and unrequited love make for an interesting time also.<br /><br />Well, this seems really long today, so I will close with just this reminder. You are loved by God and there's nothing you can do about it. So just relish it, languish in it, bask in it, frolic in it, play in it, breathe it in, and then, just like breath, breathe it out again - share it with others. For God loves them too!!<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec7/170F_7023_w3.jpg"><br /><br />Seventy BobJimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1154018541782434382006-07-27T09:40:00.000-07:002006-07-27T14:01:03.086-07:00<b>SPEC NEWS - July 27</b><br /><br />A SPECtacular morning to you good reader,<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/164F_6482_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Rain came during the night and refreshed the earth. The smell and colors are so intensified after a refreshing rain. It is truly a blessing. It was indeed another wonderful day at SPEC, and another great breakfast. This time patty sausage, eggs, French toast, fruit and milk, Oh and fresh donuts. And you thought it couldn’t get any better.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/166F_6666_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Wednesday we looked at the theme from the perspective of Have Love for my neighbor. And we looked at a slightly different perspective. During morning celebration/worship we talked about the age old question, “Who is my neighbor?” <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/166F_6669_w3.jpg"><br /><br />And we looked at Jesus’ response that when we do it to any of his children it’s like doing it for and to him. Hurting or healing, chiding, or cheering, inviting or ignoring, greeting or grating, when we do either, we do it to him.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/166F_6668_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />A new activity was added yesterday. Similar to one a long time ago except better. SPEC used to offer as one of the elective classes a service project. A house, business, park etc was pre-selected and any campers and staff that chose that class would spend the morning in service to a neighbor. This reporter was always a participant and even used to bring tools to SPEC to use. Yesterday there were no morning classes; instead we participated in an expanded all camp activity of service to our neighbors in Lamoni. I’m not sure how many places and people were ministered to yesterday morning, but there were close to a thousand ministers.<br /><br />The Rockies spent the morning at the elderly care facility in Lamoni. We made beds, cleaned windows, raked, weeded, and cleaned flower beds outside, and visited with a number of elderly residents of the facility. We had a great time. On the walk back to the Graceland Campus we stopped at the medical facility, which wasn’t on the list, and weeded their large flower bed in the front, and cleaned and weeded the beds on one side of the facility. I think people of Lamoni felt like neighbors to SPEC yesterday.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/164F_6497_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Lunch was sandwiches, chips cookies and drinks, or the usual salad bar which this reporter often frequents. Along with the cookies and drinks of course.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/166F_6620_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />After lunch we started the day of sports events. The Rockies weren’t scheduled for soft ball yesterday, but we had two volleyball matches and several individual events like tennis, and table tennis. One of the events was a sort of Iron Chef competition. The Rockies team won the event impressing the panel of judges with their culinary creations. Good job Rockies.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/166F_6621_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />I mentioned the rain during the night, and as you all have experienced, night showers bring humid days. The heat and humidity was pretty oppressive yesterday, and it was bad enough that outside sports (soccer, softball and golf) were suspended in the afternoon. Even the volleyball and basketball were cut to half hour matches instead of 45 minutes.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/165F_6551_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />A Rockies tradition is to have a Pizza party one night, usually Wednesday. So last night the Pizza Shack delivered several pizzas including two Jacket Specials to the large tent in the center of campus. It was an hour of food, singing and relaxing fellowship, except for the rowdy kids who ran and wrestled and put ice down each others clothes and just generally had a great and raucous time. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/165F_6533_w3.jpg"><br /><br />We bribed world famous photographer Jim Doty with a few pieces of Pizza and a cold drink, and he took our Rockies team picture at the bell just outside the large tent. Check out <a href="http://imageevent.com/jimdoty">ImageEvent.com/JimDoty</a> to see your favorite Rockies player or staff person. That will also link you back to this column.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/165F_6557_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />The evening for the Rockies included basketball and another volleyball match. Afterward there was a large outdoor sort of drive in theater (for you old folks) type screen set up just outside the commons and the camp watched the movie “Rent”.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/166F_6656_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Another tradition has been to do devotions one evening combined with another delegation. We shared again with the Oklahoma delegation in a time of singing, testimony and prayer. It was a good devotion. Apostle Rick Maupin, Apostle to the Oklahoma delegation shared a slightly different perspective on neighbor. He talked about the persons who are outcasts, who have no neighbor, and how part of Jesus’ ministry and healing is bringing such persons back into fellowship. Afterward many of the Oakies and several Rockies asked for and received the Sacrament of Administration.<br /><br /> <br />This reporter feels like we, as a Community, still have a ways to go until there are no outcasts and every person feels like neighbor. <br /><br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/165F_6518_w3.jpg"><br /><br />But as I work with and watch this generation of SPEC campers, I feel like the chances are better of that happening. One of the powerful aspects of SPEC, shared by almost every camper, is the acceptance they feel here. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec5/165F_6580_w3.jpg"><br /><br />It is my prayer that as you go out today into your communities, you seek out and make a neighbor of any who feel like outcasts. May God give you vision and courage for the task.<br /><br />Seventy BobJimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1153927529427980922006-07-26T08:08:00.000-07:002006-07-26T14:49:49.983-07:00<b>SPEC NEWS - July 26</b> <br /><br />Good SPECtacular morning readers,<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec4/162F_6241_wc3.jpg"><br /><br />It's always a wonderful day that starts with sausage, fresh pineapple, and cinnamon rolls all in the same morning. God Is Good!! Oh yeah there was eggs, hash browns and other fruit. <br /><br />Our theme development for the day was Have Love for my world. It was sleep in day. The youth always look forward to the two sleep in days, Tuesday and Thursday. They get an extra hour of sleep and we don't have worship/celebration. So the day starts with the leadership class. In class we talked about the fast pace of our society. Go, go, go. What's missing in this sequence? The "d". Changing go-go-go to God-God-God brings things back into perspective. Making the conscious choice to slow down helps us reconnect with others and also notice this amazing world God has created for us.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec2/160F_6032_w3.jpg"><br /><br />This reporter, along with Jim Doty, visited many classes in which the Rockies participated. Pygrography (wood burning), cooking, card making, and band were just a few.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec3/161F_6116_w3.jpg"><br /><br />There's also classes in painting, ceramics, book making, quilting, self defense, and many others. Pictures are available at <a href="http://imageevent.com/jimdoty">imageevent.com/jimdoty</a>.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec3/160F_6078_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Sorry no lunch menu is available. I ate in the Swarm In with Jim to catch up.<br /><br />We are still in what's called pool play for sports. Each delegation picks a level of competition to put their teams in, with gold the highest, then red, green and blue. Each team then plays for the first several days at that level to place them in brackets of similar skilled teams. Your win/loss record will put you at the top or bottom of your color group, or may move you up or down if needed. Then tournament play begins and you play usually the same teams again, this time for coveted medals and ribbons. Gold medals of course assure the team of big bucks in endorsements and often a cover on Sports Illustrated.<br /><br />The Rockies didn't have any volleyball scheduled yesterday. We must have moved though the pool play in our bracket and will pick up play again when the tournament starts. We did have quiz bowl (similar to the old College Bowl for you older readers) and we also played and won softball. We loaned out a couple players to the other team so they could compete.<br /><br />After a fine dining experience of fish cakes and macaroni and cheese for supper we had the first all camp worship at the football stadium. There was music, dance, and President of the Community of Christ, Steve Veazy spoke. <br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec4/163F_6340_w3.jpg"><br /><br />Many of you may remember that last year at SPEC the youth and staff were challenged to raise funds for a roof for a church in Africa and a bridge over a river in the Philippines. This year we were challenged to raise funds for a well in Nicaragua. This is all through the community service arm of the church called Outreach International. I will let you know how we did. Worship concluded with an amazing fireworks display that lit up the Lamoni sky with fire and noise. It was, well SPECtacular!!<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec4/164F_6439_w3.jpg"><br /><br />After worship they youth competed in the track and field events, with running, hurdles, shot-put, long jump, triple jump, soccer and probably others this reporter missed. The sports field resembled an ant hill with both participants and spectators scurrying around from one event to the next. This was all done under the lights of the sports fields.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec4/164F_6473_w3.jpg"><br /><br />The day concluded with dorm devotions as we discussed the theme and looked at "my world" and how we have love for it. How we impact our world for good or bad even when we don't do it consciously. And a challenge to look anew at our world and make the choice to bring our best to it.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec4/163F_6342_w3.jpg"><br /><br />As you go through the day, may you also have love for your world, your family, work, neighborhood, and community and may you make the decision to act lovingly in your dealings with others. God Bless!<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec4/163F_6373_w3.jpg"><br /><br />Seventy BobJimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1153855862809065172006-07-25T12:22:00.000-07:002006-07-25T23:02:16.313-07:00<b>SPEC NEWS - July 25</b><br /><br />Good Morning SPECtacular readers,<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec2/159F_5945_w3.jpg"><br /> <br />The mornings here in Iowa start cool, but heat up fast. This reporter's room faces East, so sunrise is a glorious red, gold and orange "Good Morning God" experience. Breakfast was scrambled eggs, and waffles (pancakes with non-skid tread) and ham. Cantaloupe, strawberries, melon and grapes are a refreshing addition to breakfast. You can usually find yogurt of some flavor if you like that sort of thing.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec2/159F_5916_w3.jpg"><br /><br />Monday's theme was "Have Love for friends and enemies". At morning devotions Jim Mulhulland , author of "If Grace is True" and "If God is Love" said a most profound and powerful statement. He talked for a minute about loving those who love us. And he reaffirmed the scripture that says, "how is that a credit to you. It"s easy to love those that love you."<br /><br />Jim then asked us to picture a person in our mind that is hard to love. A sort of enemy. He said that the person who comes into your life, that is hard to love, is God's greatest gift to us. That person can teach us the most about love and loving. Taking that a step farther, that person, that gift to us, can also teach us the most about forgiveness, grace, mercy, reconciliation, patience and other valuable attributes. Looking at persons who are hard to love as gifts from God, to teach us, gives them a special place in our lives. Loving our enemy may be a hard thing to do. But viewing our enemy as a teacher, a gift, may be easier. For this reporter it was a brand new way to see the divine in every person, even as divine teacher.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec2/159F_6000_w3.jpg"><br /><br />After worship/celebration the Rockies attended our leadership class. We continued our look at "Have Love for friends and enemies" with discussion about Jesus' statement that when one reaches out to strike us on the right cheek we turn the other also. Loving our enemies means giving more than is required, more than just enough. Loving our enemies according to Jesus, is to pray for God's blessing on them.<br /><br />Lunch was fried rice and Mexican wraps. There's always a salad bar and usually a burrito bar as well. The soft serve ice cream machine is always on there are always trays of cookies, brownies, or cake for the sweet toothed among us.<br /><br />The Rockies had an easy sports day, with just a few games and matches. We must have drawn several byes. After days of much activity, the slower pace was a nice change. For the youth though it seemed slow and boring. Again context shapes perception.<br /><br />We won some of our games, with great fanfare and cheering. And we lost some as well, also with cheering and celebration. We did have one minor sprain injury, during the softball game, but the flying catch was amazing to watch, and the cheering made the injury easier to bear, I'm sure. Watching friends rushing to the rescue and to help the injured player off the field was a wonderful testament to loving those even on the other team.<br /><br />Supper was stroganoff, rice, and carrots. Ice cream and apple and cherry crunch rounded out the meal.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec2/159F_5961_w3.jpg"><br /><br />The evening entertainment was an a cappella group called "Chapter 6". Six men (seven counting the sound mixer) shared music and testimony about God's love through Jesus. They use both Christian and secular music in their repertoire. It was fun and energetic. The six part harmony made this old reporter smile and remember other experiences with a cappella music. Their tribute to Crispy Creme donuts was a hoot. And things heated up when they pulled a couple staff females out of the crowd and sang love songs to them.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec1/158F_5856_w3.jpg"><br /><br />Dorm devotions was quiet and low key, and we finished the day with a challenge to look at life's challenges, frustrations and even enemies as teachable moments - gifts from God to make us better people. As one person said, to cleanse our hearts as we approach God in person. May you look into each situation today with awe as God brings those teachable moments into your day. And may you have the wisdom to thank God for his great Love for you.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec2/160F_6040_w3.jpg"><br /><br />There is a rumor that world renowned photographer (and loved brother-in-law) Jim Doty may be on campus even as I write and pictures of SPEC will be available soon - I will tell you where to look tomorrow. Until then, we await the day's teachable moments God.<br /><br />Seventy Bob<br /><br />More SPEC photos are in the albums <a href="http://imageevent.com/jimdoty">here</a>.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1153802989438456362006-07-24T21:47:00.000-07:002006-07-25T22:49:03.333-07:00<b>SPEC NEWS - July 24</b><br /><br />Good Morning SPEC Readers,<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec2/159F_5930_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />Yesterday was a great day! Scrambled eggs, pancakes,<br />bacon and lots of good fruit for breakfast. Spaghetti<br />or sloppy joe's for lunch and baked chicken, mashed<br />potatoes and corn for supper. Your reporter had a big<br />salad which was wonderful.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec2/159F_5982_w3.jpg"><br /> <br /><br />The day's theme was Have Love for who you are. In our<br />leadership class right after morning<br />celebration/worship we discussed the idea of loving<br />yourself. How do we love ourselves? How do we show we<br />love ourselves? How do we experience God? We also<br />looked at our personal worship style and how each<br />style resonates with some, and how often the style in<br />many of our congregations doesn't resonate with many<br />of us. Is there a lesson in there for us if we want<br />to invite and involve our young people into<br />congregational life?<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec1/158F_5866_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />After that our campers split up and went to two of<br />many, many choices of classes. Some took an exotic<br />cooking class with Larry Tyree. Others took a self<br />defense class. Pyrography (Wood burning) is another<br />favorite. And a few took a book writing class. <br />Classes in art, music, dating, leadership development,<br />and many others are offered to our young people.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec2/160F_6037_w3.jpg"><br /> <br />Competition also started, and the Rockies competed in<br />softball, quiz bowl, volleyball, tennis, basketball,<br />and table tennis (ping-pong). We won some, lost some,<br />but suited up for each match and I believe they had<br />fun. At least that's our hope. There was<br />definitively a spirit of camaraderie and support at<br />each event.<br /><br />The evening entertainment was by a group called<br />Recycled Percussion. The stage at Shaw Center was<br />filled with garbage cans, buckets, pails, stainless<br />steel sinks, and many other noise making devices. <br />Four musicians and a sound person put on a very<br />entertaining noisy performance. The world's fastest<br />drummer is one of the members. His hands move too<br />fast to see at times. At one point they bought about<br />a dozen SPEC campers up on stage to help. They were<br />given drum sticks and began a sort of<br />follow-the-leader in rhythm. The lead drummer would<br />pound out a rhythm and the campers would try to<br />imitate it. One at a time they were eliminated. The<br />remaining were then to follow the leader and quit when<br />he did. Drummers-on were eliminated similarly. Once<br />down to the final three they started following the<br />leader in drum stick throwing and catching. And then,<br />just catching the sticks as the distance between<br />thrower and catcher increased to the full width of the<br />stage. The sticks came faster and harder until the<br />winner emerged. It was an energetic, celebration in<br />noise.<br /><br />This reporter noticed the parallel to life. Often<br />life is just following the leader and we feel like<br />winners or losers depending on how well we follow. At<br />times, life seems to careen at us faster than we can<br />catch it. Faster than we can deal with it. And we<br />drop our sticks. And we feel like losers. We talked<br />about that in our devotions. What do you do when you<br />feel like a loser - when you feel less than, when you<br />feel unloved, unable, even unlovable? How can you<br />have love for who you are when you feel un-? <br />Sometimes these feelings come from looking back at<br />past losses, past failures and then projecting them to<br />the present. A wise man once said, "Don"t look back,<br />cause we ain't goin that way".<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec1/158F_5853_w3.jpg"> <br /><br />It's at that point that you need to trust and lean on<br />the One who says, precious child, I love you enough to<br />die for you. I love you enough to live in you.<br /><br /><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec2/160F_6025_w3.jpg"><br /><br />Have a blessed day today, and be assured that you are<br />a loved and lovable child of the One. And look<br />forward 'cause that's the way we're goin!<br /><br />Seventy Bob<br /><br />More SPEC photos are <a href="http://imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec1">here</a>.Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1153665900612300232006-07-23T07:38:00.000-07:002006-07-25T22:53:55.200-07:00<p><b>SPEC NEWS - July 23</b></p><br /><p>Good Morning SPECtacular readers,</p><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec1/158F_5861_w3.jpg"></p><br /><p>Well they've really mixed things up this year. It's a year of trying new things, new times, new places. The old has passed away and things become new.</p> <br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec2/159F_5998_w3.jpg"></p><br /><p>The afternoon yesterday went pretty well. Somehow this reporter has to try to see if we can get the Rockies off the fourth floor next year. Four flights of stairs more that a dozen times a day is hard on us old guys (staff). The all camp picture seemed to take the shortest time in memory. After picture, supper was outside - sort of a bar-b-que with burgers, dogs, chicken and good brownies. Not bad.</p><br /><p>After supper we all went to the gym, and played mixer games with over a thousand people. Each delegation picks colors and designs their own t-shirts around the SPEC theme for the year. So when we were first all assembled on the floor of the gym there were large blocks of color. Then the activity, called "Play Fair", started and in just a few minutes blocks of color got smaller and smaller until what you saw was just a mix of color with no definable distinction. People of all colors mixing together, locking arms, standing back to back, touching, moving, blending, being together, talking, laughing, hugging, arguing (part of the exercise) and hugging again. The noise level rose and fell from silence to freight train at the sound of a harmonica. If youth of all colors can mix and play together, is there hope that someday these same persons, can work and live together in mixed color harmony? I can only Imagine!</p><br /><p>SPEC theme this year is "Have Love" So far I've seen it interpreted on shirts as Have Love, Have Love?, and Have Love!. It will be interesting to go through the week and see which punctuation fits at which time and activity.</p><br /><p>Opening ceremonies last night, which is a slide show walk down memory lane from last year, and a presentation and challenge for this year, allows each delegation to introduce themselves and share just a thought or two about them. We ended the evening with the award winning band, "The Afters" whose music is used on some one of the MTV programs. There was singing, dancing, surfing and much merriment.</p><br /><p>The Rockies delegation then wraps up the day in separate dorms (boys and girls) with a short devotion time. It's often a challenge to get young people to share much at the beginning of the week, but that will change as the week progresses and trust and caring develops.</p><br /><p>Every day the theme is a development of the main theme, so today is "Have Love for who I Am". Today we will focus on loving ourselves. Not a bad place to start. So readers, as you follow along with us on our journey, work today on having love for yourself. After all you are worthy enough that One chose to die for you. Have a Glorious Day!!</p><br /><p>Seventy Bob</p><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/2006spec1/159F_5906_w3.jpg"></p>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1153608259911933322006-07-22T15:39:00.000-07:002006-07-23T07:46:25.216-07:00<p><b>SPEC NEWS - July 22</b></p><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/05spec3/122H_2226w3.jpg"></p><br /><p>Good Morning Faithful Readers,</p><br /><p>Tis the morning of the first official day of SPEC. Yesterday was travel day, and for the Rockies and this reporter it was a great day for travel - cool temperature, cloud cover, and an uneventful trip with very minimal road construction. The Rockies, and others, end travel day at Worlds of Fun, the large amusement park in Kansas City, Mo. Rides with intimidating names like Mamba or Detonater, and others like the Patriot are favorites, with fairly long lines and people usually ride them several times. Back in the day this reporter eagerly stood in line for those rides. Today my likes lean toward the Park Bench, Brick Planter, and my favorite, the Funnel Cake.</p><br /><p>A family graciously loaned us an empty, carpeted house last night to sleep in after the night of roller coasters, water rides, and fast fun. The campers are still asleep, although I hear some stirrings from the other room. When all are awake we will have a meeting with our group to refresh rules, explain expectations, navigate names, and binge on breakfast. We still have about a two hour drive to Lamoni which usually includes a stop-off in Bethany, Mo. for lunch, and Wal-Mart for last minute forgotten items and couple days worth of candy, pop, other sustaining snacks.</p><br /><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/05spec1/121H_2132w3.jpg"></p><br /><p>Once at SPEC, we will have check-in (11a - 4p), orientation (4p - 5p), and later this evening the SPEC group picture (5 - 6). Settling in our rooms, unpacking, beginning the meet-n-greet will consume most of the afternoon. Many delegations will drive in today, often the last of several days of travel, and others will make the drive in just a couple hours.</p><br /><p>This year the Rockies have the smallest delegation in this reporter's memory, and the staff have been pondering, where are all the campers? Why so few this year? Admittedly, we are a busy people, lives full of activities, many of them good, and church seems to often take a back seat on that bus. Is it just the natural cycle of ages of kids, or is there a deeper problem to resolve? A question this reporter isn't gifted enough to answer.</p><br /><p>So for now, as we are preparing to "sieze the day" I must put on one of my other hats and encourage kids out of their sleep mode and into their "get-r-done" mode. Until later then, continue to sustain us and all of SPEC in your prayer and good wishes time.</p><br /><p>Seventy Bob</p><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/05spec1/119H_1993w3.jpg"></p>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1153456738347282442006-07-20T21:36:00.000-07:002006-07-23T07:47:01.963-07:00<p><b>SPEC NEWS - July 20</b></p><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/05spec5/126H_2630w3.jpg"></p><br /><p>Hello Faithful and Loved Readers,</p><br /><p>Can you believe it's time for SPEC again. We leave Denver tomorrow and this reporter is frantically trying to finish up last minute packing, address corrections, trailer hook-up, and prepping you, my friends for a week of fast paced, action packed news and updates from Lamoni Iowa. This letter is to let you know what's happening, and also to check my addresses. Also if you don't want to get the newsletter this year please respond so I will remove your address early in the week.</p><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/05spec3/122H_2297w3.jpg"></p><br /><p>Otherwise you have a lifetime subscription to the SPEC, and World Conference, and any other exciting activity, news columns.</p><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/05spec5/127H_2793w3.jpg"></p><br /><p>Not sure yet if this year's columns will be accompanied by world famous (and Brother-in-Law) Jim Doty's award winning photography. We'll just wait and see.</p><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/05spec3/122H_2266w3.jpg"><br /><p>So until the next edition, right after World's Of Fun, God Bless you and pray for safe travel and a blessed and powerful week of fun, fellowship, competition, worship, and God's Presence.</p><br /><p>Your eyes and ears at SPEC, </p> <br /><p><br />Seventy Bob</p><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/05spec3/122H_2272w3.jpg"></p>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1153444924359756472006-07-20T18:20:00.000-07:002006-07-22T15:47:35.190-07:00<b>COMING SOON!</b><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/05spec1/120H_2095w3.jpg"></p><br /><p>SPEC begins Saturday, July 22, 2006. Daily Reports will appear here soon.</p><br /><br /><p><img src="http://photos.imageevent.com/jimdoty/05spec2/121H_2170w3.jpg"></p>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6498730.post-1077121917975299122004-02-18T08:31:00.000-08:002006-07-22T15:49:17.236-07:00<p><strong>SPEC 2006</strong></p><br /><p>SPECTACULAR is held each summer at Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa. Come back then to read daily reports. You can read reports from past SPECTACULARS from the links to the left.</p>Jimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12092943212888239585noreply@blogger.com