Deidox.com

2.17.2009 — 3 Comments

After watching the latest churchmediadesign.tv podcast and Brad’s interview with Brent Gudgel, I spent some time over at deidox.com – a new website featuring digital short-films that are some of the most powerful, moving testimonies I’ve seen available.

I love the ministry-philosophy of Brent and Dave (Director and Producer, respectively) that while trying to make money with this project their ultimate goal is to get these “God Stories” into the hands of as many people as possible. Their “pay what you want” feature is proof of their desire to reach as wide an audience as possible.

I have purchased and shown both of their current videos, “Lindsay” and “Robert” to our youth group during my LGLP series over the last few weeks. At $19.99/ea., the videos are comparable to most online short-form illustrative video price-wise, but I dare you to compare the quality. These are by-far some of the best-produced media for the Christian-community out there. I agree with my buddy Brad who says they rival even Nooma’s production-value.

Since investigating Deidox a bit more today I have uncovered some other projects their company has worked on and I have also purchased a DVD-copy of Dear Francis – a documentary they made in 2006 covering the AIDS crisis in Swaziland. I plan to use the film for an upcoming “movie night” in our youth ministry.

Here is a preview-trailer of Deidox’s short-form videos, “Lindsay”, “Robert”, and “Deon”:



Deidox from Chronicle Project on Vimeo.

In General, Linkage, Ministry, Videos
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What if churches served free breakfast?

2.17.2009 — 2 Comments

Just read a great article about Denny’s and their quest for “taking back share” by giving away Grand Slam breakfasts the other week. I also read a great question about wondering what would happen if churches did the same thing?!

We’re in a recession. Times are tough for most families. People will continue to look for “free” or “cheaper” alternatives. I think the church needs to embrace this truth and provide answers!

Our church has already responded somewhat with our twice-a-month Family Nights. Family Night provides 2-hours of FREE entertainment! It’s a great opportunity to get out and get active by playing sports together as a family and/or fellowshipping while others play sports!

Another opportunity on my radar – Angel Food Ministries. I wonder what kind of response our church would have to this kind of ministry?

In Family, General, Ministry
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Ella, big sister.

2.17.2009 — 2 Comments

This picture pretty much sums up Ella’s reaction to knowing yesterday that she would have a baby brother –

From 2009.02.16 – Hospital Ultrasound Visit


She’s excited. The ultrasound tech even gave Ella her OWN copy of the ultrasound picture!

In Family, General, Images
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I officially NEED a vehicle.

2.16.2009 — 5 Comments

With today’s news of baby Sheets #2’s gender came a whole new wave of ‘reality’ that quite-frankly left me breathless.

Boy = a whole new responsibility as a father that I have yet to experience in these first nearly 3-years of fatherhood.

With some of those personal-responsibilities and expectations and dreams, I am also left realizing how some of our current-situation is less-than-adequate..

Namely, our vehicle-situation.

We have one vehicle. It’s a Pontiac Montana minivan. I love it. Seriously. It screams ‘soccer mom’, but its manly enough as a ‘Montana’ to get me through my self-esteem issues.

In Wisconsin, we lived within walking-distance of the church. Here in PA, I drive a short 4-miles to the church everyday – leaving Jess, Ella and soon-to-be Ezra at home without transportation.

If I think too long about this situation and the safety-issues related to my girls not having transportation, let-alone the fact that they are “stuck” everyday, I’ll make myself sick.

So, I need an “everyday something” vehicle.

And I’m asking the stevansheets.com readership (except those in other countries) for your help!

As you’ve read this post have you been thinking about a vehicle you know about that you now know you just MUST tell me about? Maybe you’ll keep your eyes and ears open now for a miraculous deal that you would’ve otherwise not been looking for! Whatever the case, I need help! Something cheap (Youth Pastor cheap), but reliable. I probably drive the Montana about 400-miles a month for ministry-related activities plus my drive to-and-from the office.

I’m actively watching the Pittsburgh Craigslist listings – any other suggestions?

In General
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Ezra Paul Sheets

2.16.2009 — 5 Comments

We had an ultrasound this morning and found out the gender of our next child!

We expect Ezra Paul Sheets to enter this world sometime around June 4th!

Check out Ezra’s latest ultrasound pic on HIS blog – www.ezrasheets.com!

In Family, General, Linkage
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