Travel Archives - Page 10 of 11 - Jonathan's Blog From The Source

Pennsylvania

Posted on: 02/19/09 11:39 AM | by Jonathan McKee

It’s time for me to go to the great state of Pennsylvania once again (yes, speaking in PA for the second time this month). Tomorrow I fly through Chicago to Scranton, PA, where I’ll grab a car and drive to a small town called Dallas, PA and speak at a camp for the weekend.

I’ll be speaking to a few hundred middle school kids Friday night, Saturday morning and evening… and closing off Sunday morning. For those of you who’d be willing to pray… If I can ask, please pray as I’ll be presenting the Gospel on Friday night, then spending time talking about living a “real faith” the rest of the weekend. I love middle schoolers.

The weather doesn’t look half bad for PA at this time… in the teens. Still cold for this California boy! But I always appreciate prayer for my travels. It basically will take me about 12 to 13 hours just to get from my front door to the camp’s front door… then another 12 to 13 back home Sunday.

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On my flight East

Posted on: 02/5/09 4:04 AM | by Jonathan McKee

Today I fly out to Pittsburgh (to wade through the confetti in the streets, I presume) to speak at a winter camp with 500 students and leaders in Western PA. Do you think I should wear an Arizona Cardinals shirt? 🙂

On the flight over I plan on watching the new DVD release of Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playslist. This little PG-13 film is already creating a buzz. I missed it in the theatres but have read some of the film’s dialogue. Todd, my movie guy, is posting a review today or tomorrow on it… he was really disturbed by the film’s lack of morals… probably a pretty good reflection of our culture. Expect a full synopsis from me soon.

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Sitting on Top of the World

Posted on: 01/5/09 2:48 PM | by Jonathan McKee

I just arrived home from a 5 day trip where I was the keynote speaker at a youth conference in Wisconsin. Great trip. Not only was it a rewarding ministry weekend, I also was able to bring my 13- year-old daughter Alyssa with me.

We flew into Chicago, ate some Giordano’s Pizza, drove up to Wisconsin, spoke for the weekend, then hung out in the Chicago downtown for one night before returning home. A fantastic time with my Lyssa. I’ll blog more about it later… I’m dead tired at the moment (got up WAY too early this morning to catch the flight home).

So for now… I’ll just leave you with this low res pic that Alyssa and I took with my cheap little camera phone from the top of the John Hancock building in downtown Chicago. We went up to the 96th floor (top floor) and had a virgin strawberry daiquiri in the “Signature Lounge.” Great view sitting in one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Good times.

(you can see the Sears tower in the upper right, Michigan Avenue the lit street below up the center of the pic)

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Battle of the Chicago Pizzas

Posted on: 11/13/08 9:33 PM | by Jonathan McKee

Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s? That’s really what it comes down to.

If you’re familiar with the Chicago area, you know exactly what I’m talking about. There are really only three places that Chicago dwellers talk about: Giordano’s, Lou Malnati’s, or Gino’s East (Sorry, Pizzeria Uno is good, but it’s not in league with the other three).

I fell in love with Giordano’s years ago when my cousin Wendy took Lori and I there. Since then, she’s been known to send me one via Fed Ex on special occasions. Over the years I have had Ginos East on several occasions and enjoyed it; it’s just no comparison to Giordano’s. But for whatever reason, I had never tried Lou Malnati’s. So I made it a priority to try it as I passed through Chicago this week.

Wednesday I flew into Chicago, stopped by my favorite Giordano’s restaurant, and headed up to Wisconsin where I was to teach a workshop for EV youth pastors in the district (fun group- we had a great time). After teaching the workshop Thursday, I headed back down to Chicago (only a few hours drive- worth it, rather than laying over in Chicago). This time I mapped out where a Lou Malnati’s restaurant was… and I stopped in for dinner.

You have to realize… Giordano’s is pure heaven to me. It would almost take a miracle for another pizza to surpass the “heaven sent” goodness of a Giordano’s pizza. So Lou Malnati’s had it’s work cut out for it.

The atmosphere of this particular Shaumburg location was really inviting. The booth was comfy and the waitress was nice. I told her that this was my first Lou Malnati’s experience. She told me that there was no comparison… Lou’s was the best. I was glad to hear it. I eagerly ordered my usual toppings (pepperoni and mushroom) and took the waitress’ advice by selecting Lou’s famous “butter crust.”

The pizza took 30 minutes, as do any good deep dish pizzas (Giordano’s actually takes 40 minutes because I always order the stuffed crust… drool, slobber…).

I was surprised how good the first bite was. My first thought, “Uh oh, Giordano’s has some competition.” Not that Lou’s was better mind you, but definitely in the same league. The sauce was what really caught my attention. Perfectly spicy. One of the best I’ve ever had.

As I dug deeper into the pizza, I realized that I wasn’t crazy about the crust. It’s good, mind you. But it’s no Giordano’s.

In Lou’s defense… it might be that I ordered the “butter crust.” I’m not a big fan of Gino’s East for that very reason. They literally have a yellow crust, very much like the buttery crust I tasted tonight at Lou’s. Next time I’m in Chicago, I’m going to have to give Lou’s a second chance, ordering the normal deep dish crust.

Well… there it is. Giordano’s maintains it’s position as #1 in my book. Not just #1 pizza place… #1 PLACE! (I’d take Giordano’s over Disneyland any day!)

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Big Room… One Bed

Posted on: 11/2/08 8:29 AM | by Jonathan McKee

Life has been a whirlwind for the last few days- a mix of cross country travel, meetings and podcast recordings. Currently, I’m sitting in my Pittsburg hotel room, preparing for a podcast, putting last minute touches on the seminar I teach at 3:30 today, and connecting with a couple guys about a future podcast. (This weekend I’m at the Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Convention, connecting with youth workers and teaching a couple workshops- see my last blog if you’re lost)

It was funny when we checked in this hotel. We’re at the Pittsburgh Hilton downtown and I booked a cheap room. But I have so many Hilton points from my travel… we got bumped up to the executive floor in a junior suite. Todd and I are enjoying all the food in the exutive lounge, sitting in two seats by the window. It’s on the 24th floor overlooking the Ohio river and Heinz field… for those Steeler’s fans.

When we first checked in they asked me if I wanted the free room upgrade I said, “Sure!” But they said, “Well there’s only one bed.” Todd and I shrugged our shoulders and said, “We’ll take it!” 🙂 (I hope they don’t mind our Sharpie marker line down the middle of the bed!)

This convention has been a lot of fun. It has a similar feel programatically to the Sacramento Convention. If you listen to Brandon and my “Road Trip Podcast” that we just recorded three weeks ago, the current episode on our Podcast Page, then you’ll get a feel for the convention (and a 10 minute excerpt from my seminar, etc.) But I really like the “feel” at this convention better. Maybe it’s just the Pittsburgh downtown… not sure. But it’s a fun group.

I’ll keep you posted more after my seminar and some meetings today!

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NYWC Pittsburgh

Posted on: 10/31/08 8:50 AM | by Jonathan McKee

Last night YS kicked off their second National Youth Workers Convention (NYWC) of 2008, the one in Pittsburgh, PA. I’m excited about this convention because I’m going to be kicking it with my “Steelers” fan (don’t hold it against him), Todd Pearage.

Todd is a PA native and is often found donning a Steelers jersey. Ya gotta love a guy who supports his home team. You’ll usually find me in a Manchester United shirt… and I’m from California. Yeah… whodathunkit! What can I say… Manchester rocks (and many of you are probably asking yourselves right now, “who the heck is Manchester United?” I’ll let you Google that one.) Most of you know Todd from our movie review page and several of the podcasts he has done with us. Todd and I did the Top Five Movies of the Year podcast last year… we’ll be doing that one again this year. I’m glad we get to hang out at this convention together.

I’ll be doing two seminars at this PA convention, one, a brand new training based off my new book 10-Minute Talks, and the other, also a brand new training from my upcoming book CONNECT: Engaging One on One Relationships in a World of Isolation. Here’s the schedule and descriptions of these seminars from the YS site:

If you’re one of the thousands of youth workers at the convention, say hi after one of my seminars. I’d love to meetcha face to face.

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Greg and Fred

Posted on: 10/12/08 12:46 AM | by Jonathan McKee

Today (actually, it’s now past midnight, so I guess I mean “yesterday”… I’m referring to Saturday) was another fun day hanging out with some youth ministry friends at the National Youth Workers Convention in Sacramento. I’ve been blogging about it several days now if you need to be caught up.

Today I got together with my buddy from Dare to Share, Greg Stier. He’s always a kick. He’s passionate about evangelism, combined with a full life experience (tons of stories) and a keen sense of humor. We recorded some stuff for you guys… so you’ll be hearing from him soon in both podcast and our new “4 Minutes of Ministry” mini-videos.

I also connected with my local youth worker friend Andy Matzke. Those of you who are THE SOURCE Podcast listeners might recognize his name… he’s been in several podcasts, the most recent being the one where he brought two student leaders on with him- great podcast! Andy and Greg’s heart beat at the same pulse. They both have a passion for evangelism, caring about the whole person, physically and spiritually. It was fun hanging with both of them together and hearing them dialogue.

After hanging with just those two, we re-joined Brandon (who I’ve been hanging with all week) and my good buddy Fred Lynch from Dallas. Fred is the editor of our popular online slang dictionary, and author of a couple books, including the e-book we did together, What’s a Fo Sheezy, and his Hip Hop version of Gospel of John called The Epic. Tonight he got to do a little bit of that on mainstage at the conference. Some sweet beats from my Texas brotha!

Tonight I did some last minute prep for my two sessions I teach tomorrow. Both are new to this conference… one is a session I’ve never done before (“Using 10-Minute Talks”). I’ve incorporated some fun media and interaction… I’m looking forward to it.

Almost 1 AM… busy week. I better hit the sack!

Peace!

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Walt and Jim

Posted on: 10/10/08 10:00 PM | by Jonathan McKee

This weekend I’m at the Youth Specialties National Youth Worker’s Convention in Sacramento. It’s been a lot of fun hanging out with youth workers; yesterday I already gave you a quick highlight of some of the people we’ve been seeing and talking with.

Today Brandon and I got a chance to sit down with CPYU.org ‘s Walt Mueller and talk youth culture. Walt is the real deal. He wakes up every morning with “the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other.” I love his ministry… if you haven’t checked out his youth culture website, definitely take a peek. Walt’s the man!

I loved having Brandon with me when I met with Walt. Before I knew it, the two of them were talking about what books they were reading (Brandon is a READER!!!!), their favorite authors… then they got onto reformed theology. They were talking WAY over my head.

You’ll be getting a little of the “goods” from those conversations soon in a podcast format and in a new thing we’re going to be launching soon called “FOUR MINUTES OF MINISTRY” … small little YouTube videos about youth ministry.

After lunch I connected with Jim Burns. Jim is an old friend (not old in age… he’s just a puppy!) who has been an encouragement to me before I even started THE SOURCE FOR YOUTH MINISTRY. He even helped me get my first book published. It was a blast spending some time with Jim. I’m really excited about some of the “purity” resources he is developing to help our kids understand God’s plan for them sexually.

You’ll be catching a glimpse from Jim soon also in one of our upcoming “FOUR MINUTES OF MINISTRY” videos.

Tomorrow it’s a busy day of more meetings, and a few last minute touches on my training workshops for Sunday.

Whew!

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Thursday at NYWC

Posted on: 10/9/08 11:14 PM | by Jonathan McKee

Thursday was a fun day at the YS National Youth Worker’s Convention in Sacramento. I met my youth worker buddy Brandon before and we drove there together. At the convention we immediately saw some youth ministry friends: Tic Long, Les Christie, Jim Burns, Walt Muellar, Kara Powell, Wayne Rice, Cliff Carey from Hume Lake, Ryan and Trevor from Paradise… a bunch of folks.

Brandon and I got a chance to sit down and talk with Marko about Youth Ministry 3.0 as well. If you haven’t heard the buzz, Youth Ministry 3.0 is Marko’s new book talking about a much needed change in youth ministry. Brandon and I got to read the transcript a few days ago and we chatted with him about it. It’s hot off the press for this convention and will be available through YS in a few weeks (although the YS site says February… not sure why).

We’ll be doing a podcast with Marko on the subject soon to let you in on the discussion. Fascinating stuff. I really like how Marko is stretching us to think. I’m still be stretched by it all.

The actual sessions and seminars start tomorrow. I don’t teach until Sunday (whew!), so I’m spending time mingling with youth workers and chilling with Brandon.

Side note about Brandon– you can all pray for him right now. Brandon’s church has been having financial trouble lately and had to cut costs… so they cut the most productive ministry they had- youth ministry. So Brandon has been “unemployed” now for a week. He’s looking for a youth ministry job… he’s got several Sacramento churches looking at him. Whoever snags him will be lucky to get him. Brandon is an amazing guy. God’s really done some amazing work in his life.

I’ll continue to blog throughout the convention.

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RoadTrip to YS NYWC This Week

Posted on: 10/8/08 9:17 AM | by Jonathan McKee

Road Trip Those of you who are our THE SOURCE PODCAST subscribers, you may remember a little special episode between episode #7 and #8 where my youth worker buddy Brandon and I took a roadtrip to the Youth Specialties National Youth Workers Conference last year in San Diego. This fun little podcast had far less “content” in it than normal, but a whole bunch of fun! Brandon and I surveyed various authors and speakers, “perused” the book stores, and even let you eavesdrop into some of the sessions. It was fun stuff.

Brandon and I are gonna be reprising this little venture with a road trip to the Sacramento Convention this weekend… which is 20 minutes from our houses (that makes a nice commute!)

In addition, we’re going to be giving away books to anyone who spots us at the YS Exhibit Hall on Thursday night. Brandon and I will be donning a backpack (can you don a backpack???) full of my first book, The Top 12 Resources Youth Workers Want. Anyone who sees us Thursday night in the E.H. and mentions the book… we’ll give it to them free. Not bad, huh?

I’ll also be blogging about the YS Conference throughout the weekend. I teach two workshops on Sunday and lead a discussion on outreach. For the rest of the weekend I’ll be connecting with other youth workers, authors and speakers… as well as recording some podcasts and video.

I’ll be doing the same at the Pittsburgh YS Conference if you’re considering attending one.

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