#11 Journaling

Besides slack lining, napping and reading Velvet Elvis, Younglifers love to do one thing everyday without fail: Journal. Usually a Younglifer will find a time during the day when the spirit is at its peak and that is when they will journal. This may be in the early morning hours of the day or in the evening when the sun is going town behind the cliff that they just free climbed. But whenever the time, it's always the right time. Journaling is usually paired with reading scripture from the bible. When the two occur at the same time in most cases large sections of scripture will be copied word-for-word from the bible to the journal. This way, if they are in a place where they want to preach the gospel or the story of David, they do not have to have their bible with them. This allows the Younglifer to be that "cool Christian" that doesn't care about the "institution" of the "church." Whatever that means. Ask a Younglifer.

Another important side factor about journaling is the actual journal itself. A Younglifer will most likely have one that is very unique and personalized in some way. This can be done with a paper composite pulp cover journal for a girl Younglifer. She will color it and draw multi-colored stick figures of her and her best friends (small group) inside a big red heart with another stick figure of God above them saying, "I Love You!" Guy Younglifers on the other hand will have a leather bound, gold leaf journal that was given to them by their old YoungLife leader or the wife of the man who disciples him. It will most likely have their initials on it and on the inside a "sweet" verse that will inspire him.

But, on the outskirts of Christianity, there are some rebel Younglifers who wear Toms shoes and Jorts and like to listen to Radiohead. They ride road bikes and like to say things like, "What does pursue even mean?" These are your Moleskine Younglifers. Moleskine is a journal/notepad company that has been making such products since Jesus was a boy.

Note: Jesus used a pocket Moleskine to draft the sermon on the mount.

Moleskines tell other Younglifers that, "Yeah Shane and Shane are OK, but Derek Webb really ties together my religious and political views." These Younglifers love to write and journal, but thats not all. They write short stories, poems and draw pictures of tattoos that their parents won't let them have until they are financially independent. They carry their Moleskine in their side bag ( SYL issue #5) at all times and love to read their latest epiphany to anyone who will listen. Most likely they will prefer to read it to non-christians seeing as how what they write is edgy and not for the home schooled.

Note: Moleskines are great gifts and are accepted by Younglifers everywhere, anytime.

Note: DO NOT EVER, FOR ANY REASON OPEN A MOLESKINE THAT BELONGS TO A YOUNGLIFER WITHOUT PERMISSION. If you do so, be prepared to know all about the girl/guy that they wish they were pursuing/being pursued by. And also how much they hate how money is still currency instead of the potatoes and tomatoes they are growing in their town home garden.

#10 Summertime (Serious Edition)

Summertime is when you fall deeply in love with things that you wouldn't otherwise. You run barefoot everywhere and the park and field become your new first home and it is a very good thing. It is when you lay in ankle high grass and watch the stars walk from horizon to horizon and then they fall off into the great morning flood. And you fall in love with fast melting sno-cones and sandal tanned feet. And the heat doesn't seem to bother us like it did when it first come on. But we still rush from car to house, house to car taking refuge in the sweet feel of the air conditioning.

Summertime is this almost unrealistic part of our lives in which we are able to run and swim without inhibitions. Summertime brings a love of heat and humidity that saves our frail bodies from the winter chill. Our shirts stick to our backs as beads of sweat bleed down our tanned temples and soak into them. It becomes just right to sit in the park at night and watch the consolations change into the things that we see in our dreams. And in those parks and fields the scent of grass and humidity rush from person to person.

We covet the idea of summer freedom and hold it tightly to our breast as we rush around with our life's loves. Those who we know deeply in a way that only God himself could have orchestrated. And we cling to them, we cling to the idea of them because we know that being alone in the summertime is no way to be. We know that being alone is horrible and, even though we hate our weakness, we still want to be with them.

And within them, in that park, you see her. She is wearing that summer dress and she has bare feet and a flower in her soft hair. And it is then and there that your summertime love starts. You read Oswald to her and whisper into her ear when no one is looking, and you both love the feelings it brings. And together, you run and swim and talk and rest with one another and you learn one another. And this is good, and you thank Him for it and He is glad.

He gives love and joy to those who seek him. In the summertime is when He moves through the warm breeze and hot summer nights when summertime girls will chase summertime boys through the July rain. And it is here that we can see the physical smile of God, when His children bond and play and love and explore His creation together.

Yes, it is in the summertime when we take true ownership of the freedom we are given. When we can read the books that have long eluded us and that make our hearts long for something that it never had before. And we start thinking about changing things and making things better and we do it, we actually do it! We move and shake and toss things into the sun filled air and we love it. And then, a cool crisp wind blows through the park, down the street, through the alley and onto your front porch and it is then that you know. Autumn is coming.

So, you run through the fields of gold one last time and you kiss her on the mouth under the full oak tree and it is right and it is good. And then it is over and you wait once again. You wait for the love of a melting sno-cone and the feel of a sweat filled shirt clinging to your back. And you wait once again for the summertime.

#8 Brand Name Christianity - (Section 1) - The North Face

A Younglifer is naturally drawn to mountainous areas. Any nature area that has pine or spruce trees, mountains, valleys, creeks and cliffs will act like Brett Rodgers to a Jack Johnson song. So naturally a Younglifer would need the right equipment and clothing to explore and enjoy these beautiful places. Luckily The North Face has produced a line of clothing and packs that allow for Younglifers to enjoy all the greatness of God's outdoor creation.

Younglifers who wear North face are the kind of Younglifers who like to sit in a mountain wedged Lodge with hot chocolate and smores. They like words like "cozy" and "star watching". They wear a North face fleece jacket with jeans and either chacos or hiking boots. New Balance running shoes are also acceptable in this situation. Sometimes they will have a smaller North face Day-pack with them at all times.

These Younglifers love Starbucks and the movie "Into the Wild". One of there favorite things to do is to peak a 14er in a day and then hit the cabin for a quick quiet time in there Moleskine while drinking milk filled coffee and eating GORP ("Trail Mix" to the non-Younglifer). Personalized coffee mugs are their favorite and they always enjoy a good back rub. So, if you ever see a Younglifer with a North Face on, offer them a bag or GORP and a back rub and you are automatically "in".

Note: These types of Younglifers hate the word "patagonia" for it brings tension to their lives. So, under no circumstances are you to say or wear anything that resembles the word "patagonia". This rule applies as does the rule in Harry Potter to the "One who shall not be named!"

Note: Try to find a unique color or type of North Face when around other Younglifers, this will tell them, "Yeah, I searched around on Craig's List and eBay to find just what I wanted at a good price." Auto in!

Note: The Image at the top of this entry is a true Younglifers ever endearing image of what heaven will and does look like.

#7 Nalgenes

If you are friends with a Younglifer then you know that they are super active. Whether it be running to and fro on campus, climbing a mountain, preaching on Amos or throwing the 'disc', they are out there getting into. But what about when a Younglifer gets dehydrated? What would we do without our rolled up jeans wearing, Christ loving, granola eating friends? Well no fear, Nalgene is here!

What is currently known as Nalgene Inc. is actually two different companies molded together. In 1995 Nunc inc. and Nalge Inc. formed together to create what most Younglifers love to refer to as, their Nalgene.

Easy to clean and shatterproof, theses water bottles are easy to carry on any Christian adventure. They hold a decent amount of water and also come in tons of awesome colors, including opaque! But what is so cool about a water bottle you ask? Well...you can put stickers on it!!! Awesome? I think so!

What's that you say, you can put stickers on any water bottle and why would you pay extra for an expensive one? Well actually, you can't. It is against the law for Younglifers to buy any other water bottle. At least this is what a Younglifer thinks. Usually, on any given Younglife Nalgene water bottle you will find stickers representing outdoor companies, towns in Colorado, actual YL stickers or pieces of paper with scripture taped to the bottle.

So, if you are looking to find an "in" into the Younglife crowed buying a Nalgene is a good way to start.

Note: Scratch and scuff up your Nalgene so that it looks like you were climbing a 14er the week before.

Note: You are required by Younglife rule book section 42, paragraph 5, line 6 to always share the contents of your Nalgene whenever asked by anyone. It does not matter if you are sick or not, you HAVE to share. Remember WWJD, right? Read lamentations chapter17, it is in there somewhere.

http://www.nalgene-outdoor.com/

#6 YoungLife Vocabulary Unit 1

In YoungfLife there are many key terms and phrases in which Younglifer's are able to more aptly communicate. Here are five of the most popular, loved and used phrases in Younglife terminology.

Note: It is always appropriate to use these terms when with a Younglifer. Most likely, it will strengthen any bond or friendship.


1.) Pour out/into - (Phrase/Saying) a. To spend time with or to connect with emotionally on a deep level for more than one consecutive hour.
b. To, on a continual basis, spend time with and
encourage someone of lesser faith.
c. To sacrifice oneself for their religion.
ex. - Julie was pouring out on her YoungLife team.
ex. 2 - John is pouring into on the goth kid at the high
school.

2.) Love on - (Phrase) a. See "Pour out/into"

3.) Pursue - (Term/Verb) : to pursue, being pursued.
a. To keep up with and constantly check up on a person. (see: Annoying)
b. To write scripture on post-it notes or scrap paper and give as
encouragement.
c. The act that proceeds dating within YoungLife couples.
ex. He is pursuing me so well, I think we are going to start dating.

4.) Get into the Word - (Phrase) : got into the word, getting into the word.
a. The act of reading and studying the Bible.
b. The act of reading scripture, then praying for more than
or equal to three hours.
c. To have a Bible open at a coffee shop.
ex. - I got into the word today at Starbucks.
ex 2. - Younglifer #1 "What are you going to do today?"
Younglifer #2 "Eh, probably get into the word."

5.) Being Intentional - (Action/Verb) a. To make an over-exaggerated effort to know
someone. (see: Awkward)
b. The act of writing down multiple "coffee dates"
in ones day planner.
c. Always asking the question "How is your heart?"
to people you know well.
d. Always asking the question "Are you in YoungLife?"
to people you just met.

Now you have five new phrases and vocabulary words to use when you are around your Younglife friends. It is usually always acceptable to use these in any situation or circumstance. Most likely, the Younglifer will see you as a friend or true YoungLife enthusiast and will bring you to 'Big Leaderships' and late night prayer meetings.

Note: Do not use these terms outside of a "Younglife" situation. If you are seen doing so, the Younglifer will be utterly angry. They will revoke all YoungLife privileges and will not invite you to watch the newest Nooma video.

#5 Mountainsmith Side Bags

Younglifers have a lot to carry around during the day, especially at camp either with kids or during summer staff. But thank the good Lord above for the Mountainsmith backpack company! They, in all their genius, have invented the perfect product for Younglifers on the go: The Mountainsmith Sidebag. They are functional, trendy...hip looking...able to go on your shoulder...you know...cool. But this is perfect for Younglifers who have to be ready to hit the trail, climb a mountain or preach the gospel on a moments notice (this includes ALL Younglifers if you are not aware). 

This bag comes in a variety of colors and styles as shown above, and this is also how each Younglifer is able to match their personality and relationship with Christ with their sidebag. There are other companies such as NorthFace and TimBuk2 who also make sidebags, but these are not as "out of the norm" as Mountainsmith, so they do not glorify God as much.

Note: This rule does not apply to NorthFace fleece products or hiking shoes.

Now, let me say that I understand if you are new to the Younglife scene and that you may not know what to put in your new Mountainsmith bag. Well, that is why this blog exists, so here we go. These are all the things that you MUST have in your sidebag to be considered a true YoungLifer and trendy Christian.

Required Mountainsmith sidebag filler items:

1. Free Leaf, leather bound journal

2. Burts Bees lip balm

3. Swiss Army knife (any size or type will do)

4. Short to medium length of climbing rope

5. Pocket or Thinline Bible (NIV for phrase by phrase, ESV or NASB for word for word)

6. Magazine (Relevant Magazine, Rolling Stone or Backpacker are all suitable)

7. Headlamp

8. One or two carabiner's

9. One bandanna for multiple use

10. Digital camera for taking picture of adventures with YL kids and Leaders (Immediately load         to Facebook)

11. Copy of Blue Like Jazz, Ragamuffin Gospel or Irresistible Revolution.

12. Vitamin C tablets (Boost for sudden hikes)

These things will tell other leaders, "Hey, want to free climb that cliff under the over-pass? Cause I am totally down. I mean, I have everything I need strapped to my Body!" Now you are ready to lead kids to Christ, go to camp, visit Christian coffee shops and take naps in big open grassy areas. Have fun with your bag, draw on it, put patches on it or clip a cross to it. All this adds to your bags uniqueness factor. Now go and have fun, and do not ever, for any reason be found outside of your bedroom without your Mountainsmith sidebag.

Note: If your sidebag is capable of carrying your school books and binders, then you should do so. You are required by the code 129.3, section A, unit 34b of the YoungLife handbook to get as much use out of said bag as is humanly possible.

Dedicated to the one and only Schmidt boy, Caleb. Love you a lot brother.

#4 REI Garage Sales

Most stores in America have sales and mark-down events that their shoppers enjoy and take advantage of. But none of them can compare to the REI Garage Sale. It is almost considered a "cultish" type of event in some circles. And by 'some circles' I mean YoungLife people.

A couple times a year REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) gathers all of the items that have been returned to the store and sets them out on the store floor for the "garage sale" event. Usually the event takes place early in the morning on that particular day. Sometimes as early as 6a.m. on a week day.

But the thing that is so unique about this event is that REI enthusiasts will sleep or "camp" outside of the store until the doors open early the next day. They brave the elements, hard concrete to sleep on, security patrols and hobo's. If you hear of an REI in your area having one of these events, drive by early in the morning and watch all the people line-up. And all you have to do is drive by, seeing as how no sane person would ever wait outside of a store in the hot, cold or rain for a used 2-year-old NorthFace fleece. But be cautious, do not ever speak badly of the REI Garage Sale with Younglifers present, your friendship will end automatically. Younglifers see REI as a second, or first, home and will do anything to protect their local REI. Most likely, one or two of your local YoungLifers work there.

On the evening before the garage sale, go and visit the homes of your YoungLife friends. As you get to their homes or co-ops, the scene will most likely look as if they are getting ready to go camping or hiking for a weekend. But beware, they are actually getting ready to embark on their favorite social event other than a feet washing session at their area directors house: the REI Garage Sale.

The Younglifer will most likely have their sleeping bag, nalgene, bible, chacos and beanie or bandanna on hand and ready to go. As outdoor enthusiasts, the Younglifer has to show all the other people at the REI store how much they love their "gear" or outdoor equipment. This allows for everyone waiting outside the store, whether they know one another or not, to bond and share stories of there hike through the Appalachian Trail or their trek through the Rockies.

Once inside, everyone rushes through the store rummaging through all the "gear" trying to find the best and newest stuff they can. All items are dramatically marked down, so it easy to grab a lot of "gear" for only a little cash. At the end of this, the Younglifer will most likely want to sleep in a hammock or get pancakes from the local diner. Go with them, seeing as how if you do not, they will think you are not hard core about your REI experience.

NOTE: When viewing a Younglifer during the actual rush for items, do not forget that they are still Christians even though they just pushed over the old guy helping his grandson look for a new backpack. Once the sale is over, which usually takes only 15-20 minutes, there senses and the Holy Spirit will return and you will once again be able to talk and read about Paul's adventures in the book of Acts and how you LOVE when Samson catches all the foxes and then sets them loose with torches on their tales.

NOTE II: When the sale is over and the Younglifer has purchased all that he or she could get, always compliment them on their finds. For Example, "Dude/Dudette, that weekend pack is so sweet, you can't even see the tear in the side." or "I wish I had found that pair of worn out Chacos." or even "I didn't know you needed fifteen used carabiners and a single old hiking boot, but hey, SWEET SNAG BROHIEM!" all of these will maintain your friendship with the Younglifer.

Here is the link for REI. www. REI.com