Tween Retreat & Weekend Recap

Last weekend I went on my second retreat with our 4th and 5th graders. It was a great trip, and I'm glad its only one night.. because they tire me out! This retreat is a packed, high-energy 24hr trip. We left the church after school got out on Friday and got back Saturday just in time for dinner. The next day at church, quite a few of the students told me they had gone straight to bed when they got home. My thought about that? Mission accomplished! =)

So, we got to camp Friday night, had a meeting, a snack, then had chapel. There were a few different retreats going on at the same time, so we got the honor of being in the cabins way up the hill and far away (sarcasm and exaggeration added for effect). It didn't phase our students, but I'm pretty sure I got a good work out walking up and down that hill as many times as we did. Anyway, after chapel we could pretty much do what we wanted, and our girls opted to stay in cabin and wait to go tubing until the next day. So we sat around in the cabin talking, playing truth or dare, and eating candy. Yes, eating candy. It seemed like each girl in our cabin had been sent with four boxes of candy and told to share, because they never ran out and had ample to spare! During truth or dare, somehow the idea of everyone running a lap around the cabin, barefoot, outside (in the SNOW!) came about. Yes, I did that too. There's a first for everything, and I hope that is the only time I do that. It hurt like crazy, but it is definitely a memory for all of us.

The next day brought an early breakfast and games out on the snowhill. There was a snowball toss, speed trials on the tubing hill, and a snow sculpture competition, all of which were fun. There was more candy, more chapel, and a cool new song that we learned ("Everybody Get Walking"). There was freetime in the afternoon which consisted of our kids playing in the game room, cross country skiing, and play ga-ga ball (octaball).

The speaker was familiar to camp, but this is the first time I had ever heard him. He did a great job, and gave the kids a lot to chew on. He talked about Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (or, To-bed-we-go, as he said it). He focused on how they stayed faithful in the small things, stood up and stood out, and weren't ashamed to love God. It was very neat to see our students respond to him. He is also the first speaker I've heard to tell students to doodle during the lesson. It worked great though.. one of our students showed me his handouts on the way home, and he had doodled the lessons while the speaker talked. It was very neat to see how he had viewed the story, and will probably be memorable for him too. Instead of having simple written notes, he has a picture book to remember the chapel services by, and it gives his parents a chance to ask him to explain his doodles. Success.

Then came church Sunday morning. We had an energetic set of songs to lead the congregation in on praise team, and pastor spoke about finishing well in life. He gave examples of people who had started well/poorly, yet their lives ended poorly/well, and then he gave examples of those who started and ended well. It was a very good service. Then, Sunday night he spoke at youth group out of the book of Ecclesiastes on how "Things Don't Satisfy." He told about Solomon and how he had everything he could ever want, but he was empty and never satisfied by life. The object lesson was how "things" in this life don't satisfy, only God does, and we need to focus on Him, and not mere "things."

Overall, it was a great weekend, but left me exhausted. Let's just say that caffeine is a wonderful thing =)

Not Much

As I sit here, I the little voice in my head keeps clearing it's throat in a hey-get-your-butt-in-gear kind of way. Truth is, I have SO much to do, and I am such a BAD procrastinator.

To do: multiple papers for my classes. I am so burned out and ready to be done with school. I have no desire to finish these classes, and just wish I could quit. But I am not a quitter. I paid money for these classes, and will finish them. But I have no desire to write papers on IQ or social problems, none at all. It's so frustrating. I feel like God is preparing me for something huge, and it's like I'm waiting so patiently-impatient, that I just want to fast forward to whatever that is, and leave today behind. But He has plans for today too.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. -Matthew 6:34

Yeah, that's a reminder we need to hear quite often, isn't it?

If you were to ask me 'what's up' I'd answer with 'not much.' But the reality is that there is stuff going on all the time. This week there aren't any classes on campus because it's in-service week. But, this week is filled with appointments for me, whether it be doctor, optomitrist, chiropractor, job interviews, etc. I had originally hoped to go to my hometown, but I guess that'll have to wait, maybe until spring break. We are even chaperoning another retreat this weekend. This time its the Tweens (4th and 5th grade). This is an overnighter, but will still be loads of fun, and we are looking forward to it.

I guess I don't have much more to write today. Have a good week, I'll be back soon.

Has Waiting Weakened Your Faith?

This morning I watched the sun dance over the horizon to light my world as I drove to work. It was a burning orange ball sitting off to the right of the road that seemed to be blinding me. Then as I turned down the road to work, I saw how it had splashed the sky in front of me in it's pinks, yellows, and oranges, it's light bounced off bare tree branches onto the snow, and even shone on the silver surface of my car, giving it different colors. 'How beautiful!' I thought, thoroughly enjoying the sight. Thinking back, it now reminds me of the quote I shared with you on Valentine's Day; how sights like the one I experienced this morning are designed to make us fall in love with God. <- Ponder that a while.

Searching through different websites, I came across part of an article in a blog I follow. I clicked to view the whole article and shook my head in disblief. The link below is the whole article written by Paul Tripp on 5 Signs Waiting Has Weakened Your Faith. I've been thinking about the obstacles I've been facing lately regarding one specific ministry I'm involved in. I've been wondering if I'd grown weaker in my faith, or gone through any of the five things Paul Tripp describes in this article. Looking back I realize I had. This article is just what I needed to read today. It's definitely a refreshing reminder that even though we wait for Him, our God is always on time according to HIS PLANS. I strongly encourage you to read the article, but here are a few quotes that smacked me right in the nose =)

"Remember, waiting isn't just about what you're hoping for at the end of the wait, but also about what you'll become as you wait"

"In reality, waiting points us to God's goodness. He's wise and loving. His timing is always right, and his focus isn't so much on what you'll experience and enjoy, but on what you'll become. He's committed to using every tool at his disposal to rescue you from you, to shape you into the likeness of his Son, and to hone you for the work to which he's called you. Waiting is one of his primary shaping tools"

Here's the link; take a read: http://thegospelcoalition.org/blog%22s/tgc/2012/02/13/5-signs-waiting-has-weakened-your-faith/

He Giveth More Grace

I've heard it a thousand times, but just recently I've been learning so much more that our strength is renewed when we rest in God and trust Him for who He is and what we need. It hasn't been as much of a mentally exhausting week as last week, but there have been frustrations... some so large that I just sat there helplessly and cried. I was suddenly so homesick that I wanted to get up and drive the three and half hours to my hometown.. a town that offers familiarity and comfort, and places and faces that cause me to reminisce about days when I didn't have frustrations that were so harsh. But then I realized that as painful as it is, I can't do that. Yes, I can go visit, but just getting up on a whim and leaving is irresponsible. So what did I do? After being sick for two days, I threw myself into my work and let my passion for these students and their pain, help heal mine. And did it ever.

Today I was compiling answers from a suicide and depression questionnaire that we asked our students to fill out. Some didn't take it seriously, which was expected, but others took it very seriously. So seriously, that it felt like my heart stopped when I read a few responses to some of the answers. These students are hurting so bad, and we don't even realize it. The night we asked them to fill out the questionnaires, we had many students whose families are regular attendees and even members of the church. I was shocked at the answers these students wrote, and wonder if their parents have the slightest clue what their students are going through, and what they are thinking. Our staff had a suicide prevention training session last Wednesday, and I am thankful for that. Because of some of the things we went over during the session, I understand how serious these students actually are in their responses. The reality is, they will talk, but only if we ask them. Well, they talked, because we asked them, and now we're trying to help them. Pray for these students. We didn't have them put their names on the questionnaires, so its a guessing game, but the topic for this Sunday is the same as was on the questionnaire. I hope it helps, and I hope we can help any student that needs us.

I didn't realize throwing myself into my work would cause me to stumble upon such a great realization, but the fact is that today while I was sifting through questionnaires, I realized that God was giving me more strength because I was asking Him to help me through it all. How awesome is it that our God is a God who can do that? Can I get an amen?! Throughout the past few weeks, this song has been almost continually running through my head and both gently and sweetly reminds me of His grace.. because He does give more grace in all situations.. even when we don't see it.

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,


He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;


To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,


To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,


His power no boundary known unto men;


For out of His infinite riches in Jesus


He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,


When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,


When we reach the end of our hoarded resources


Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,


His power no boundary known unto men;


For out of His infinite riches in Jesus


He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,


Our God ever yearns His resources to share;


Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;


The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,


His power no boundary known unto men;


For out of His infinite riches in Jesus


He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Have a blessed night

A Valentine's Day Reminder

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope your day is filled with love and warmth; regardless if you have a special someone to share it with! A friend of mine posted this on Facebook, and I just thought I'd share it. It is a great reminder of true love, and I think it fits to add a little more perspective for Valentine's Day. Enjoy =)

God, our romancer and lover of our souls.
"Every song you love, every memory you cherish, every moment that has moved you to holy tears has been given to you from the One who has been pursuing you from your first breath in order to win your heart. God's version of flowers, and chocolate, and candelight dinners comes in the form of sunsets and falling stars, moonlight on lakes and cricket symphonies; warm wind, swaying trees, lush gardens, and fierce devotion. This romancing is immensely personal. It will be as if it has been scripted for YOUR heart. He knows what takes your breath away, knows what makes your heart beat faster. ......And we must choose to open our hearts so that we might hear his whispers, recieve his kisses." -from the book 'Captivating'

Happy Valentine's Day <3

The Spooks!

Last night was hectic. I got out of class, gave my mom and sister a ride home, did some stuff at the house, went to Lowe's with Caleb, went to Wal-Mart with Caleb, and then we retreated to the safety of our home. We had lots to do, I can't even imagine how much they got done before I got there, it must've been a crazy day before I got there =)

So, we got home, grabbed food and set to work. Caleb and I put up shower curtains and did some stuff to the bathrooms, and then we put some stuff away. He put up curtains in the bathroom and a long, gorgeous, deep red one in our room. He cleared off some counter space (it was covered in tools.. ha) and I put some stuff on the counters. By then, we were beat, so we decided to turn in for the night. So we started to get ready for bed, ..and Caleb discovered the hot water wasn't working when he tried to take a shower. He waited and waited for it to get warm but it wouldn't. Finally it got warm and he jumped in, only for it to go bitter cold five seconds later! Needless to say, he made some funny noises and took a very quick shower ;) Then we were off to bed. The bed warmer was on, we were tired, and it felt fantastic to sink into bed. We started to drift off and I heard a noise. I dismissed it as the clothes in the drier and tried to fall back asleep. I was almost asleep when I heard another noise - this one louder. Naturally, I was freaked out (I'm a big chicken when it comes to stuff like that), so I asked Caleb if he'd heard it too. He said he had, but it was probably just the old house settling. I had been trying to tell myself that the whole time, so I just repeated it in my mind and rolled over. He fell asleep and I lay there wide awake.. unable to fall asleep. I kept hearing that noise again and again; it was like someone was slapping something against the wall, or breaking a small piece of wood - it just didn't sound right. Then I thought I heard footsteps and something falling off the counter, and decided my mind was playing games with me. Still slightly creeped out, I ended up falling asleep sometime around 1am, only to wake up periodically through the night. Between being too hot, or just being unable to sleep, I didn't get much sleep at all. It was a relief when the alarm went off though.

We woke up and laid there a few minutes, until Caleb gasps (loud enough to startle me..) and says "I bet you I know why it wouldn't work!!" After figuring out that he meant the hot water, I asked him how he thought it worked. A while back, we had learned that our basement was wired funny, and each outlet was wired to the next, so in order for one to work, the whole line of them had to work. Well, Caleb wondered if the outlet that the hot water heater was connected to (?) was part of that cycle. If so, the basement lights would have to be on in order for our hot water to work. Weird, right? So, once he jumped out of bed, he turned the basement lights on and headed for the bathrrom. He then proceeded to have a nice warm shower =)

Haha.. oh the idiosyncrasies I'm going to have to learn about this house!

A Joyful Heart..

With a joyful heart this morning, I come to write some more, to clue you in a little more on my life =) Reading other peoples' posts make my heart glad, and reminds me that we have such a great God. This morning I've read about adoption, ministry conferences in other countries, a friends filled life due to letting God take her where HE wanted, and a few others. Those kinds of stories remind me of the mercy, grace, and love we are constantly shown day by day, even though we are so undesrving of it.

I have been struggling lately with a lot of emotions; hurt, anger, frustration, annoyance, etc. Some ministry related, some not. One of the emotions associated with the ministry would be frustration. I've been involved with the youth group for over two years now, but I've been more involved in the past year than I realized. Within that year, we've lost a youth pastor and a senior pastor, and our church is going through a major transitioning time. We've also lost a number of students for numerous reasons. Out of ideas and desperate for a different point of view, I emailed my youth pastor from when I was a youth group student. Here are a few things he mentioned;
-If whats happening isn't what the student wants, they will leave. (Positive or negative)
-Those who stay, are staying for a reason
-Focus on the things God is doing in lives, not the behavioral, disruptive, and other issues
-Trust what the Spirit is doing even when we don't see anything happening
-Teach the Word and don't lose heart.

He gave some other great insight also. Some of the things he suggested are things that I've considered, but have been told no, or that they wouldn't work. I know personal experience is quite void sometimes, but some of the things he mentioned are some of the things that I was glad were enforced as a student, and things that made me grow. I would love to try to mesh them into the ministry I help with. They may help some of our students who are caught in a lull. I guess we'll see what happens. Needless to say, though, reading that email was very refreshing!

As I was writing, this verse came cycling to my mind from the back of my brain, and I couldn't think of a better way to end this post, so give it a read and have a good day!

"A joyfull (cheerful) heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" -Proverbs 17:22

Processing

This past week has been draining, and I'm really in no mood to write. But, I didn't last Friday, so I figured writing today would be a good thing.

Dealing with things at our house not getting done on time is menial, but its been driving me nuts. Thats the least of my worries right now though. My worries focus on our youth students. I've mentioned before that these kids are going through some crazy situations, and that as a leadership staff we've been trying to help them. We know there's only so much you can do, but sometimes that's just not enough. Since the retreat, we've had to make terms and conditions for one of our students to attend any youth activity, and came to the conclusion that another will be going to a different church. Encouraging that decision was not hard; if a student will be better fed and get what they need elsewhere, and believe that God is calling them to that other place, I have no problem supporting them at all. We will miss this student, but look forward to seeing them flourish. Some of the other issues we learn about that the students are dealing with just break your heart. All are important, but some take precedence over others because they include a students(') safety. Very few people in our staff have been trained on how to deal with/handle these situations, and out of the staff who are trained to handle those issues, very few students go to them, and go to different staff instead. These students don't necessarily know which staff is trained, but its a matter of being comfortable talking to whichever staff member they choose to go to. I think something that we need as a staff is to be trained to handle/deal with these kind of issues. We need to know how to help our students effectively, and give them more than a little advice. I would love to see a staff training session (or sessions) take place for our group of staff.

Something else that has been mentioned among a few of us is the seeming lack of committment coming from a few leaders. This could be a miscommunication, these situations generally are, but as staff we need to be on the same page. If someone's committment level is coming whenever they can come that's fine, or if they are all in that's fine, we just need to know, and right now we don't know that for a few of our leaders. That can be frustrating, but it has definitely been a growing process in the fact that we don't know who's coming and what's going to happen, so we can't plan things down to the specifics,.. we've been learning to just let God do what He wants with our time and activities with these students. That has been exhilarating, and we've seen God do some amazing things.

We would love to see our church start the search process for a youth pastor soon. We have been without one for about a year, and since our new senior pastor was just hired, we're eager to get the ball rolling. What's stopping that? The new pastor won't start until the end of March, and the search committee will be waiting to include him in the search process. In my opinion, that is bittersweet. It's exciting to know that the committee wants to include him in the search process, but I think if all three pastors are godly men whose ministry is ran by Christ Himself, and they desire to do His will, the three men will mesh regardless. Granted, we all have our tiffs because we're human, but I don't understand why pastors wouldn't get along. I admit that I'm not a pastor, so I don't know what all they have to do or what goes on when they interact (I'm curious to know though!), but I just see them as being men for a common cause, so it just seems like they should be able to get along. Again, that's just my take though.

So, with everything going on, plus school, it has been draining. I'm trying to rely on God for my strength and to give me the words and actions for working with our students on a daily basis. It's hard. But I've learned that when we are at our weakest point, we are strongest because we are forced to rely on God to meet our needs (2 Corinthians 12:9 - But Jesus said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness). I'm comforted in that, and that is what I'm leaning on very heavily right now as we deal with things and process them in our hearts, minds, and attitudes.

I thank the prayer warriors who lift up our staff and students in prayer. Please continue to do this, we appreciate it more than we could ever express!