Greydon Cochrane

Dropping the Ball

2011-09-29T13:38:00.000-05:00

When you hear of dropping the ball what do you think of? Do you think of the literal dropping of a ball from your grasp? Or do you think of a blunder you made? Maybe you failed at something and you feel bad for dropping it.

Just recently I did this, and it was this blog. I wanted to take the social media world by storm and I literally dropped the ball myself. Recently, just upgrade my smart phone, and with apps and widgets I was set, or so I thought. I had my Facebook, Twitter, Google + widgets set, and I was ready to roll. I just recently got back on Twitter, but this blog, a form of social media was left behind. That was until today.

I was talking with a fellow in the Children's Ministry world, and he said I was slacking. So I decided why not give it another chance. Then I was reminded that God gives us a second chance. God gave Jonah a prophecy for Ninevah. What did Jonah do? We all know what he did he ran from what God told him to do. He dropped his ball. God gave him a second chance.

Now if you have recently dropped the ball on something in your life, turn to God and he will give you that second chance to run with the ball not drop it.

5-5-5

2011-06-23T21:26:00.000-05:00

Well, it is time again for another 5-5-5 deal.

We will be looking at these three ideas today, and as always these are the top five as thought by the poster and not necessarily a real top five list.

BATMAN CRIMINALS
1. The Joker
2. Hush
3. Catwoman
4. Black Mask
5. Killer Crock

SUPERMAN CRIMINALS
1. Lex Luthor
2. Zod
3. Darkseid
4. Doomsday
5. Braniac

SPIDERMAN CRIMINALS
1. Venom
2. Carnage
3. Kingpin
4. Green Goblin
5. J. Jonah Jameson

Easter

2011-03-29T22:03:00.003-05:00

Just a few days ago, I was interviewed by a local newspaper for our egg hunt. The reporter asked me why did we do this outreach. Besides saying the normal "we are apart of the community, we want to give back." I said that it is still the only holiday that has it's roots still in what it started to be. The reporter went silent, and said, "You're right!" I told her that is the reason why we do it. To remind those why we celebrate Easter. Not many movies are made for this time of the year, it is a holiday that is recognized on the calendar, but many use it as a holiday away from the mundane. Schools take it off, but call is spring recess. Many use it as a time of sales, but yet nothing about why it is celebrated. That is why people go to church that weekend. Because they still feel that sense of tradition.

Even though our egg hunt will be for the kids, and the community. I still feel that the reason why this holiday is celebrated should be told to everyone. That way they have the sense why we as Christians are so joyful. Because we follow and worship a God that is ALIVE!

HAPPY EASTER!

Stairs

2011-02-15T06:52:00.001-06:00

When you think of stairs what do you think of? A set of risers to get you to a certain place. A necessity in a two story house or multi story building. Some might. I did too, until Sunday. After church was over and I was coming down from my office (I was putting stuff away from Sunday Morning Kids Church). When on of our preschoolers said hi to me. She was standing on a set of stairs. I said hi, and noticed that her mom was talking with another pastor. So I sat down on the stairs, and she sat beside me. I asked her how preschool church was, and she told me that they learned about Zacchaeus. I knew what they were learning, I was just playing dumb. She went on and said the verse for the week.

Colossians 3:15 "Let...Christ rule in your hearts."

She said it without hesitation. She said it without me helping her. That made my week. It made me smile, and made me start to think. Here was a preschooler who could recite the verse to me. Why is it that we as adults find it hard to read our Bibles? Why is it that we find it hard to memorize Scripture? Maybe we should take a note from this preschooler. Maybe we should look at the Bible and God the way kids do. Kids have an innocence in them that is unmatched. It is unspoiled by the world. They have a hear that Christ rules. We need to take a look at them, and be like them. Like Colossians 3:15 says, "Let...Christ rule in your hearts."

As Always,
Pastor Greydon

5-5-5

2011-02-09T22:12:00.001-06:00

SUPER BOWL, THREE STOOGES, TEAMS

We will be looking at these three ideas today, and as always these are the top five as thought by the poster and not necessarily a real top five list.

SUPER BOWL

1. Thor/Captain America

2. Beiber/Ozzy Best Buy

3.Cowboy and Aliens

4. Snickers with Richard Lewis and Rosanne

5. Vader Kid

THREE STOOGES EPISODES

1. Men in Black

2. Three Little Pigskins

3. Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise

4. Dizzy Detectives

5. Spooks!

FAVORITE TEAMS

1. Chicago Bears (NFL)

2. Chicago Bulls (NBA)

3. Chicago Cubs (MLB)

4. Chicago Rush (AFL)

5. Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

What Happened?

2011-01-15T22:29:00.001-06:00

It has almost been a year since I have written in this blog. I am sorry for not updating this. Now it will be updated at least every month. I will be posting what God is doing for me, and through me in ministering for kids. New Year...New Resolutions. It was my resolution to use more media that I hadn't used in forever. This is One of them.

Pastor Greydon

Minute To Win It

2010-03-22T08:50:00.002-05:00

Don't know if you have seen the new tv "gameshow" Minute To Win It? It is hosted by Guy Fierti, and has contestant doing 60 second challenges per level to complete 10 levels to get 1,000,000 dollars. Sounds easy huh? The games range from taking a balloon blowing it up and using the air to knock over, off a table, plastic cups. Another game uses marbles to knock over a pencil. There is even a game that consists of 50 plastic cups (1 red and 49 blue ones). This one is played by moving the red cup in a full circuit, starting on bottom and ending up on bottom. In order to do so, one has to move the blue cups from the top, by grabbing them and placing them on the bottom, by alternating hands, while holding onto all the cups.

The reason I am mentioning this show is for all my fellow Children's Pastors out there to see. It gives some great ideas for games to use.

Olympic Training

2010-02-25T09:40:00.002-06:00

Hello All,

I find it awesome, that God worked two different blog in two different ways. First off PG4Kids wrote on Gold Medal Finish which can be found here pg4kids.blogspot.com/. Dick Gruber didn't know that I was starting on a series dealing with Olympic Training (Lessons in Christian Living). God is awesome how he works things together. I am not amazed by it at all, after all he has been doing it for a long time.

God trained me up in Children's Ministry for a long time. He even lead me to a school where I learned even more. God was training me to be the Pastor/Person he wants me to be. Kind of like how Olympians train at a young age to be as good as they are in sports. Theirs is physical, mine was a spiritual training. I am thankful for the training I received.

Below are two verses I have read recently and have seen in my life:

Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."

1 Corinthians 9:24, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize."

I will continue to run the race God has for me, just like the Olympians, and just like them I am looking forward to my prize.

Pastor Greydon

2010: The Year of the New

2010-02-13T22:18:00.000-06:00

January 2010 saw the beginning of a new decade, year and month. 2010 is a new year. Last month I wrote on having a Happy New Year. Right now, my post for this month, has to do with the current month we are in, February. This marked for me, a new chapter in my life. I just became a children's pastor in Pennsylvania, at a church up north in the borough of Clarks Summit, known as Clarks Green. This will be new for me. I don't know it maybe God, but I feel at peace, I feel like I am at home.

This aspect of my life reminds me of Moses. He was schooled, so to speak, in Egypt, then went back "home", and then came back to Egypt. Where as I was schooled in Pennsylvania, then went back home, and then came back to Pennsylvania.

Here is to a new chapter in my life, and hoping for a new one in your life. God Bless.

Happy New Year

2010-01-04T12:13:00.001-06:00

It is a new year. A new decade. A new month. A new day. It is a time for change. A change some make, for the good, others for the bad. Some make resolutions to be better people. some make resolutions to be healthier or to lose some weight. These are just a few examples of the resolutions we make every year. But some happen to fail in these resolutions. There is one "resolution" that I know I won't fail at. That is being a better Christian. I am going to try and be a better in my walk with God. I am hoping for the same to all of you Christians out there too.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

5-5-5

2009-12-14T00:50:00.002-06:00

CARTOONS, TELEVISION, MOVIES

That is right everyone today I am looking at the top five listings in a special Christmas edition of 5-5-5. We will be looking at these three ideas today, and as always these are the top five as thought by the poster and not necessarily a real top five list.

CARTOONS

1. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

2. Frosty the Snowman

3. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

4. Polar Express

5. A Christmas Carol

TELEVISION

1. A Christmas Carol

2. The Red Skelton Christmas Special

3. A Charlie Brown Christmas

4. The Christmas Shoes

5. Phineas and Ferb Christmas Special

MOVIES

1. It's A Wonderful Life

2. The Nativity Story

3. A Christmas Carol

4. Christmas Vaction

5. The Santa Clause

HAVE A FANCY YANCY CHRISTMAS

2009-12-01T10:54:00.007-06:00

Hello All,

I had something really awesome happen to me. On Facebook, I am a fan of a singer called Yancy. For those who don't know about her, she is a Christian children's musician. That wasn't the cool part. What was cool, considered by me and a few others, was that Yancy had an opportunity for her fans to review her new CD HAVE A FANCY YANCY CHRISTMAS, and write a review on their blogs about it.

I jumped on this chance to get the CD and write up a review.

HAVE A FANCY YANCY CHRISTMAS is a mixture of traditional Christmas carols and contemporary favorites. When you thought you have heard all renditions of these songs, you haven't. Yancy brings her own unique voice and style to each of these songs. If I can choose one word to describe it I would say it is...FUN! I thought I heard all styles, but Yancy brings something else to these. When listening to these songs, it just made me want to get up and dance. That is a good thing considering Yancy's other releases which are used in kids churches around the country.

This CD contains some of the classic Christmas carols/songs including: Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas, Joy To The World, and Medley (Jingle Bells, Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, Feliz Navidad, We Wish You A Merry Christmas) just to name a few. Yancy also includes her original songs: Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas; and Christmastime.

In this review we will be looking at four songs that stood out in my mind, for various reasons. Either having to do with music style or message sent through the song.

Medley is upbeat and just so much fun. With songs like Jingle Bells, Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, Feliz Navidad, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, all rolled together are seamless. All the songs go together. It is a good mix. This is definately one way to wish someone a Merry Christmas.

In Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas it is a groove filled song, that can be summed up as a fun filled song wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas. This can be viewed in the same context as We Wish You A Merry Christmas. It is a greeting right around this time of the year.

In Christmastime, this song takes things a bit slower. I have to say I love the acoustic guitar in the beginning. This song reminds those who either don't know the Christmas story, or those of us who are so busy we can't remember what Christmas is truly about. This song can be the anthem, for those of us who spread the message of Christmas, and the real reason why we celebrate it. It is all about Jesus, and this song can remind us.

The Greatest Gift, is another song about the reason for the season. It is reminding us that the greatest gift is that of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Without Him we wouldn't be celebrating this Holiday, let alone enjoying the music. What a way to close out the CD! The Greatest Gift, is being played in radio stations across the U.S. If it isn't playing on your favorite station request it! Someone out there may need to hear it.

High energy! What else can you expect form a Yancy release? This is defiantly not your grandmother's Christmas album. This collection of songs, is phenomenal. Not only beautifully sung, but also put together. This is definitely one for all the Christmas play lists out there. As a children's pastor I know it will be not only on my ministry play list, but will be cycled through in my personal play list.

Song List
1. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
2. Merry Christmas, Happy Christmas
3. Wonderful Christmastime
4. Joy To The World
5. Christmastime

6. The First Noel

7. Medley (Jingle Bells, Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree, Feliz Navidad, We Wish You A Merry Christmas)

8. Angels We Have Heard On High

9. O Come All Ye Faithful

10. The Greatest Gift

Want to see what all the hoopla is about? Want to own your own copy of this CD? Below are three ways to buy the CD. You can buy it off of Amazon, Itunes, or Yancy's website. Help support Yancy Ministries.

BUY IT TODAY!

Buy on Amazon
Buy on yancynotnancy.com
Buy on Itunes

Review by Greydon Cochrane (c) 2009.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-15T20:37:00.001-06:00

This is the time every year when we realize that we are thankful for something. In my own opinion, This day of giving thanks shouldn't just be one day, but all year instead. We need to be thankful no matter what. 1 Thess. 5:18 says, "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." then why aren't we? We are thankful when things are going right, but not when they are not we tend not to be thankful. I know it is easier said than done, but why should it be that way? It shouldn't We need to give thanks to God, no matter if we are rich or poor, sick or healthy. This might be hard, but we need to no matter what.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Coming Soon

2009-10-06T16:52:00.001-05:00

Slowly this has come together. A brand new greydon-cochrane.blogspot.com is coming. As you can tell certain things have been added, for the better. Now I can personally guarantee you that a fresh new look will be on this blog soon. I want it to be more about my likes, what God is doing in my life, etc. I am looking for ideas what to add, and what to subtract.

Thank You for your patience,

Greydon

New Title & Logo

2009-09-04T13:40:00.001-05:00

Well I decided to change the name of the blog. It has been called Living In The Grey a take off of my name, but I decided to change it back to Greydon Cochane, and decided to create my own logo for it.

Here is the new logo

Independence Day

2009-07-04T21:49:00.004-05:00

Today is the day that we celebrate our fight for freedom from the British. The ideal of democracy was so strong they believed in what they wanted, and that it was worth fighting for. They believed that this was worth laying down their lives for. We remember their sacrifice for us.

I was reminded today when hanging out with friends and family that we as Christians need to celebrate our independence from sin. People have fought hard for this freedom. It is an ongoing war, but it is one that can be won. Some have been persecuted for this freedom, yet there are some that don't appreciate their freedom.

July 4th, is a day that we celebrate our freedom. But everyday we should celebrate the freedom from sin. that is the ultimate INDEPENDENCE.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

Explaination of Title

2009-05-24T00:36:00.004-05:00

It is time after some have asked me, about the name of my blog. So I thought I should explain what exactly it means. It doesn't mean that I am living in a gray area between good or bad it means that I am living my life as the person God created me to be. Greydon Cochrane. This is my blog and me..,I am living how God made me. A Christian following his path, trusting and following him in thick or thin. I will follow God's plan for my life as I continue to seek him.

The Next Chapter

2009-05-08T22:48:00.003-05:00

Today was the last page of the current chapter in my life. I received my BA in Children's Ministry today. It was a fun filled time, laughs went all around, families got together to celebrate this milestone in the life of their kids. I know today will never be forgotten by me. I got to graduate with some close friends, in the Children's Ministry Department at school, as well with my adviser, mentor and friend. Dick Gruber. This is why I am excited.

Looks as if the next chapter will soon be written.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-01T14:00:00.004-06:00

Well, It is officially here. It is Christmas time. the time where we trade gifts with each other, and pray that they gave us what we wanted. After all, that is what society today tells us.

But we as Christians celebrate it differently. we celebrate it as a time that Jesus was born. But in today's context wouldn't we say that this is the ultimate gift. So lets celebrate that gift. The gift of Jesus, but ultimately the gift of Salvation.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Thanksgiving

2008-11-20T14:12:00.004-06:00

Well, it is that tome of the year. The time where you go to malls, and stores and see the Christmas decorations up. Then it hits you, IT'S ONLY NOVEMBER!!! In this busy year, there comes a time to just sit back relax and reflect on everything in your life. That is this time. We go around and say things we are thankful for. Some meaningless some meaningful. Some that your happy about some your not. This thanksgiving I am thankful for alot. I am thankful that despite being in school I am spending thanksgiving with a friend's family. I am thankful for what God is doing in me as I near the end of this road called school. I am thankful for friends and family who love me. I am thankful for my life, and thankful for the fact I am saved from sin. I am thankful for a lot this year, are you?

Credentialing

2008-11-05T08:27:00.003-06:00

Well, it is that time for me. A time to decide if I should get credentialed in a fellowship that I have grown up in, and come to love. Currently I am deciding to go and get credentialed in the Assemblies of God, back home in Illinois. Not because I want to, but Valley Forge, and so do I now, see it necessary to get credentialed in my home district. I am taking a big step here, by turning in the application and getting the process underway. I am excited and scared at the same time. I am asking those who read this to keep me in your prayers during this time. Pray that God opens doors for me, and shows me where to go upon graduation in May. I am hoping for words of advice and encouragement from those who have already gone through this process. This is a BIG step I know. I am looking forward to it as well.

2008-10-20T13:39:00.006-05:00

Here it is again my 5-5-5 Deal.

Top 5 DC Comic Heroes
(continued form Marvels list last time)
1. Batman
2. Green Lantern
3. Superman
4. The Question
5. Rorschach

5 Ways to say "HELLO"
1. Hola
2. Hi
3. Ohayo-sama
4. Puang Toi
5. Zdravo

Top 5 Trilogies
1. Lord of the Rings
2. Back to the Future
3. Star Wars (4-6)
4. Robocop
5. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Until next time....Keep Living in the Grey

2008-10-01T22:21:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to a new and exciting edition of 5-5-5. This week not only do I have a new title banner for this segment, but I also have three new topics to talk about this week.

Top 5 All-Time Graphic Novels (Comics)
1. Watchmen
2. Superman: Red Son
3. Batman: Hush Returns
4. Kingdom Come
5. 52

Top 5 Heroes Characters(From the NBC TV show)
1. Claire/Sylar
2. Mr. Bennett
3. Hiro
4. Peter
5. Linderman

Top 5 Marvel Heroes
1. Hulk
2. Iron Man
3. Blade
4. Wolverine
5. The Punisher

As I stated last week, this is totally my opinions and may not be the opinions of others. Please takes these as such.

As Always, Living in the Grey

Ministering to Kids

2008-09-25T08:32:00.004-05:00

Well as I stated on my last blog this past weekend I was involved with a grand reopening of a church. the church originally, was left for dead basically. The pastor and congregation left the church kept it unlocked in downtown Philadelphia. The homeless started to sleep there, and the place was partly burned down.

That is until a church, saw the property, and decided to make it a project. They gutted it out, and redid the furnishings inside. The out believe it or not wasn't destroyed. So they decided it should be open for people to come and worship God. This is where me and some of my friends come into the picture.

To kick it off they decided to have a gospel night on Saturday. Which me and about five of my friends were asked to do the kids service. It was amazing, to have a wide age range of kids. We put together a service for the kids for that Saturday Night. Also on Sunday afternoon we were back, and did another program for the same kids. It was an awesome weekend. I am glad God called to minister to children.

Until next time,
Keep Living in the Grey

Convoy of Hope Outreach--RADICAL

2008-09-13T15:34:00.004-05:00

Today in Philadelphia, I was a part of one of the most exciting ministries happening in the Assemblies of God, no I don't mean Children's Ministry. Although that is pretty exciting, I am talking about Convoy of Hope.

Today a humid day in good old Pennsylvania, sat the big black stage/truck of VFCC. Getting ready for a day of fun and games for the kids, haircuts, grocery give away, as well as performances, on that truck. Settled in North Philly, we began at 10:00am. For the first 1/2 an hour, no one showed up, but then they started coming. Yours truly and his friends in RADICAL, did a performance that signified not only the start of the new year for RADICAL and VFCC Outreaches, but sparked a fun afternoon. After doing a 30 minute consecutive song set (without having a breather or break) we were done. We could have left but did we? Nope! We stayed and helped with games, groceries and other smaller odds and ends. It was great seeing the faces of people there getting blessed. It is amazing what God can do through those who follow him.

Next week is the re-opening of the church...and I am going back to help them kick off the re-opening. I am doing a children's service on Saturday and Sunday. I am going to have a busy week getting prepared for this awesome ministry opportunity.

As Always, Living In The Grey.

5-5-5

2008-09-07T22:48:00.004-05:00

It might sound like a pizza deal, but it isn't. What is 5-5-5? It is a look at categories top five...my top 5.

This editions categories are: Books I have read, Movies I have seen, and Top athletic listings

Books I have read
1. UnChristian
2. Before You Leap
3. Sex God
4. Simple church
5. Next Generation Leader

Movies I have seen
1. The Dark Knight
2. Iron Man
3.Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
4. Spaceballs
5. Psycho (Hitchcock's version)

Top athletic listings
1. Brett Favre retirement drama is over
2. Cubs Postseason
3. Bears are a solid unit
4. Tom Brady injured
5. Michael Phelps Olympic record

As a reminder these are not top five lists. They are five of my favorite things. The orders do not reflect any particular grouping, but rather a grouping of what is or should be in the top 5.

As Always, I am living in the Grey.

Favor?

2008-09-07T20:23:00.003-05:00

Seems like everywhere I turn right now it seems people are talking about is the favor of God. How funny is it that when I turn around, I see it for myself.

This past week at school, was our ministry fair. This is a big time for me being a ministry team leader, as well as a senior. This is my last one, also it is a time for me to look for work. But without looking for a church to work at I got two offers. It seemed to me that when your doing what God wants from you, he opens doors that you think will never open. God is so great. I now have hope for the future. I was at a point where I was wondering if I was doing the right thing right now.

It says in Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." During this time this has been my devotionals/reflection verse. Crazy isn't it? God knows what is in store for me, and I should just rely on him for everything. I have given him everything in my life, it is all in his hands. I am glad that it is because I wouldn't be going anywhere if it where solely in my hands.

Just remember God knows the plans he has for everyone. Me and you, he knows what we are going to do before we do it. Shouldn't we be living like we should be? ***Hint the answer is YES!***

Until next time, Live life like you are in the grey, because I know I am.

Last Day of My Internship-7/31/08

2008-07-31T22:06:00.004-05:00

Today, was my last day of my internship at 1agbn in Bloomington-Normal, IL. What did I do? I went to Magic Waters!!! Yeah you heard me, Magic Waters in Rockford, IL. But you may be asking yourself isn't an internship suppose to be hard work? Yes it is but as I learned this summer is that it can also be fun. that is exactly what I did.

Magic Waters was a fun trip. Haven't been there in years. So I was happy to go with the youth group (BURN) here at the church. We had about 20 all together going. 4 Adults, and 16 students. I came into this internship being afraid that when I went to a church, I would be a youth and children's Pastor. After my weeks of helping out Pasotr Kermit Barker (Yes that is his real name), I feel prepared if God gave me a job like that.

This internship was AWESOME!!! I wouldn't want another one at all! My memories of this place are good, and I will keep in touch. Either on here, or via email.

Until Next Time.

As Always,
Greydon Cochrane

Blogo Numero Uno

2008-07-29T14:24:00.003-05:00

I don't know if that is how you would say it in Spanish,but anyways this is my blog.

But before can blog i guess one has to know what a blog is.

Is it a log in a bog? Nope. Well whatever it is this is my first one.

My Top 5 List of Everything.

1. The Dark Knight, lived up to Batman Begins, and was better than it in my opinion.
2. The Brett Favre situation, needs to end before anyone gets hurt.
3. The Cubs are on a roll, not buttermilk, or cinnamon but it still is good!
4. The way John Madden makes the obvious statements in every Madden Game.
5. I am now on a list of bloggers in this world, GREAT!!!