A child of God educating other children.

I went to the Christian bookstore in town to check the price and look at an idea for a Christmas present for someone. I checked, then got totally side tracked in the book section of the store.

I really have a desire to teach girls and help them make godly decisions in their life as they struggle with surviving jr. high and high school. And to help them make godly decisions when it comes to boys. In highschool someone gave me the book Lady in Waiting by Jackie Kendall. I didn't read it until college. Through BSM (Baptist Student Ministry) I joined a small group of girls that did weekly Bible studies. At one point we read through Lady in Waiting together and discussed our thoughts of it. I gave my book to a friend after the study for her to read on her own, and am now wanting a copy of my own again.

At the bookstore I didn't find it, but I found "The Young Lady in Waiting," by the same author. As far as I can tell it looks pretty much like the same book, just a cuter cover to attract the teens. I have been thinking about putting together an all girl small group during the week and studying this or something like it. I was thinking the copy I read might be a little old for them, but I am so excited to find a teen version! I almost bought it today, but would like to find a copy to borrow and read to see if I should follow through.

I have been thinking about waiting until my small group is done with confirmation to do this in depth girl study, meaning starting next Fall we could do it, but I think some of the older girls in the youth group could benefit from it. A girl at school that I work with has really got me thinking today and yesterday on this, really wanting to reach these girls before they graduate and are on their own.

I also found some books that look like they'd be great for me to read when I am finished with, "A Woman's Walk with God" by Elizabeth George. (Which I highly recommend you read if you have not..and you're a woman.) They are, "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World," and "Having a Mary Spirit" by Joanna Weaver. I read the back of them, and the 2nd one sounds really good! Every Tuesday evening for over a month now we have had a small group of adults in our house to study the 40 days of Purpose. Every evening when I am still trying to get things in order before people come and they show up while I try to finish something, I always think of the story in Luke 10 about Jesus going into Mary and Martha's home, reminding me to stop working and build a relationship with the people in my home.

Back on the topic of teens, there was a book that caught my eye first today and that is, "Secret Keeper: The Delicate Power of Modesty" by Dannah Gresh. This is another huge passion I have with girls. As a teen I didn't understand how much power there is with dressing modest. I remember being so mad that my dad made me change into longer shorts before youth group one night trying to explain why I shouldn't wear short shorts, but I wasn't willing to listen and learn. Now that I am married, Tim has really opened my eyes to the world of boys, and I would like to pass some of this wisdom to the girls in our church. If you have girls of your own or work with them, this website looks like a good resource, I haven't looked at it deeply, but it looks like it'd be good.

Posted in: books, faith, girls, ministry, teens on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at at 7:40 PM 2 comments    

Tim just left to start his way to Sacramento, California for NYWC. This is the first time that I have stayed home from it, and the first time Tim has left for something more than a day. I wont see him again until Tuesday when I wake up, unless I wake up at like 3am when he gets home Tuesday morning.

I'm excited for Tim to get to go as an official blogger for the convention. I'm pretty bummed that I'm not getting to experience this with him, but we sent a male youth worker from our church that I think will benefit more from the training than I would. This will be his first time, and it would've been my 4th.

I also volunteered not to go so I can go to the National Youth Ministry Conference for the first time put on by Simply Youth Ministry. I absolutely loved going to NYWC, but I'd like to try NYMC and see which is better for me to attend in the future.

Also, I found out after the church had already bought Tim's and the youth worker's ticket that I was asked if I would come and be an official blogger. Man! If I had known that ahead of time, or in enough time, I would've been right on that! But again, this will be more beneficial for the youth worker joining him. I just need to stop being selfish.

Although I'll be missing Tim a ton, I am excited to go down and hang out with Tim's sister-in-law and brother and nephews and niece. I'm excited to spend more time getting to know each other, and keeping busy not thinking about Tim the whole time he is gone. I'll go down tomorrow after work and stay through Sunday afternoon. I wouldn't have been able to stay home that whole time, so I am very thankful to have family close by to help me out!

Posted in: family, marriage, ministry on Thursday, October 09, 2008 at at 6:15 PM 1 comments    

I am so glad that the hurricane is over and to know that Jon is okay, and so is my friend Brianne. Brianne stuck around because her dad needed to help out with things, so she took cover with her family, not wanting to evacuate without her dad.

And last night Jon had up his live video stream online. There wasn't a whole lot to see, so Jon made it entertaining with using a chatroom and sound. Tim and I went to the high school football game yesterday, well at least the first half, then came home 'cause I was cold, and we're not too wild about football. So right when we got home we got online with Jon and stayed on until 12:30pm when his electricity went out.

Dad has been keeping me updated today by email on Jon, which is really nice. Jon should be getting to my parents before midnight tonight. That is comforting to know, and surprising he found a way out. Last I heard from Brianne was at 7am this morning letting me know they were still getting bad weather. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for her.

I didn't get to sleep until about 1am this morning and still couldn't get my mind off of the storm. I had to wake up early to make it to my massage appointment I set. (That was such a nice time!) I'm glad I had it this morning to get me off of the computer to stop watching all the disaster photage. Then from 3pm-9pm I hung out with 2 of my small group girls going to the annual Grape Stomp festival. And when I got home, I was back online watching disaster photage.

I am exhausted and heading off to bed. We're going to the 8:30 service tomorrow, then I'm teaching one of the four 2nd grade Sunday school classes.

Posted in: family, friends, Hurricane Ike, ministry on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at at 7:51 PM 0 comments    

Sunday was the kick-off for our church's 40 Days of Purpose revisited. This will be my first time to go through 40 days of purpose. The sermon Sunday really got me excited about this. On Tuesdays Tim and I will be leading a small group at our house to do an in depth study of 40 days of purpose. There are lots of small groups in our church going on probably every night of the week all over town for everyone to get plugged in.

Pastor John's sermon Sunday really touched on something I was talking to God about a few weeks ago. When Tim and I signed up to lead a small group for 40 days of purpose I was willing, but kind of frustrated because this means another Bible study that I am suppose to lead/help lead. Kind of a funny thing to get frustrated with right? Here's my schedule starting full blown next week: Sunday morning - teach 2nd grade Sunday School. Sunday evening - help out with Senior high youth group, Tuesday evening - co-teach 40 days of Purpose adult small group, Wednesday evening - co-teach The Journey (Confirmation with my awesome 9th grade girls).

Looking at and thinking about that schedule kind of overwhelms me, and a few weeks ago when I was starting to get stressed over that schedule God kind of knocked me in the head and straightened me out. I was thinking that I was taking on way too much and I wouldn't have time for other things that I want to do, giving time to myself. Then all of a sudden God told me, "What are you doing? You are not here for yourself, I put you here, and you are here for me. To serve and to teach others about me." What a wake up call!

I was really wanting to go to an adult Sunday School class to get fed, but when I asked Tim if I could bow out of helping with the junior high I really felt a passion to help teach a children's class. And on Sunday during service John spoke a little on Hebrews 5:12, "You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food." I know that now in my walk with Christ that I learn so much more when I spend the time with God preparing to teach others what He teaches me. I was just wanting to be lazy.

And then I started to stress about finding a job the closer we got to going to Virginia for Glory's wedding because I wanted something to start right when I got back. And God delivered! I started at the high school the day we got back. I was kind of bummed that I'm only working 30 hours, not 40 a week, but again...this is not my life, it's God's. Working 30 versus 40 is great for my ministry schedule. This leaves me not only with energy when I get home to still take care of the house, but it is a great schedule for youth group, and giving me energy to spend preparing Bible study lessons.

Posted in: ministry on Monday, September 08, 2008 at at 6:56 PM 1 comments    

Tonight during Soul Fuel for our high school students my attention was brought to a small quirk/plus with Tim being a youth pastor. I bought an exercise ball a while ago and it has always stayed in our living room. Tonight I was wondering if we had a nice house like my parents, or most people their age, their living room would be too nice to always keep the exercise ball in there. But at our house it serves as a favorite chair to the youth when they're at our house! I just thought that was funny and had to share. Plus I think if I had to move it out of the room when I wasn't using it, I probably wouldn't use it. Just yesterday while doing a puzzle I used the ball to roll around to whatever side of the table I was at. It's pretty much more of a chair or toy than anything else, but at least when using it for that I get better exercise than just plopping down on the couch (which I like to do too!)

Posted in: exercise, ministry on Monday, August 18, 2008 at at 8:47 PM 0 comments    

Most, Unbelievable, Ultimate, Urban, Camping, Experience.

The name of MUUUCE really lived up to it's name this year for me. Last year was great being our first time to do a weekend trip with the jr. high at our church, but this year was so much more amazing. God really used the weekend for me to get to know students better, and I am so thankful that God made opportunities for that.

It all started on the bus ride down to the cities less than 5 minutes on the road. I noticed one girl on the trip who I saw every Wednesday night at The Journey but never talked to because of the girls she hangs around, and I just don't know how to relate to them. My mistake, I assumed she was just like them. I am glad to say that I am wrong. She was sitting on the bus alone not talking to anyone, so I asked if I could sit with her, and we started talking about all sorts of things! I was blown away! She didn't really know anyone on the trip, knew who a couple of the other students were, but didn't know them more than a familiar face.

When we got to Faith Covenant and were hanging out at the inflatables I made sure this girl was hanging out with people. I am very impressed with the girls in my small group that went for including someone new into their circle of friends and making her feel welcome.

That evening at Waterpark of America I got to know another girl in our church better, and her friend. I guess I took a while changing into my swimsuit because I couldn't find anyone afterwards. I walked around the waterpark for a little bit looking for anyone, and finally found 2 of our youth girls. I spent the whole evening hanging out with them doing all the slides they wanted to do. Such fun girls!

On Friday we went to Valley Fair. Tim and I pulled together 2 groups of friends to walk around with. We had the biggest combined group from our church walking around. I was thrilled to see the two different friendship circles mesh really well together. It took about one ride until everyone started talking and intermingling. Praise Jesus! Then at lunch we had 3 boys who are brand new coming into the youth group hang out with us. One of them loved all the rides, and the other two wouldn't go on any. Once again the girls totally amazed me and were willing to do a repeat ride that we were able to talk to boys into going on, and then did another easy ride for them.

I am go thankful that God had me go on the weekend trip with the junior highers. I forget how much I love that age and how fun and goofy they are. They're really gullible too! Okay, one more story...

Friday night at the Twins game (Twins won!) we just got in the doors and were waiting for everyone else to gather up so we could find seats together, there was a guy from the host church with us that told some of the boys they had to read all the fine print on the back of their ticket before going in. They weren't really believing that, but wondering if it was true, until I added that they would have to sign something when they sit down saying that they read all of it. Immediately the boys bow their head and start reading the fine print! I watched for a couple seconds then stopped them laughing hysterically letting them know we were joking. They were good for many laughs throughout the weekend and so much fun to hang out with and get to know!

Posted in: junior high, ministry, muuuce, twins, valley fair on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at at 10:04 PM 1 comments    

We had the senior high students over last night for Bible study. Had 6 come to hang out, a good number for random summer events. I really enjoyed seeing the youth again, it feels like it's been a while. After Bible Study we had one girl (in my small group!) stay a little later with her Mom to visit since we haven't seen each other in a while. Then my friend Amanda came over to return our bike rack and to visit for a little bit. Everyone was out of the house pretty late, and then I got online to check email and stuff.

When I was about to go to sleep Tim asked if I wanted to help him make the video of a free give-away drawing he was doing for his blog. I was tired, but excited to be a part of his online ministry...here's the video:
http://www.vimeo.com/1469494

We slept in this morning, but I still forced myself to get up and do my Biggest Loser circuit training then my 3 mile jog. Then I finally had my first meal of the day at 11:30. I made a real tasty omelette with egg whites, tomatoes, orange pepper, white and purple onions and cheese. Yumm!

My body has gone through a lot in the last week since I started doing the circuit training. And on Sunday we had wake 'n ski which my back and shoulders are completely sore from. Tim and I both tried wake boarding and wake surfing for the first time and got up! I didn't last too long, but I was impressed that I learned how to get up and stay up for a little bit. That's a big accomplishment in itself!

Posted in: exercise, ministry, water sports on Tuesday, August 05, 2008 at at 11:13 AM 0 comments    

We are home! Actually, we've been home for a couple days. I've actually kept myself kind of busy already being home. This time leaving my family was harder than I expected. I really miss them, but am grateful for the time we had with them. To finish up our vacation...

Sunday, 27th
Woke up to go to Sunday School with the youth ages. Tim told the youth pastor we'd go in. Tim likes to see how others do ministry. It was really good, I enjoyed getting to see students who I hadn't seen in 2 years, and split up in groups to work. Then we had service which was way different than what they usually do because it was VBS kickoff Sunday. We even had a picnic outside after service for it. Texas heat outside was actually pretty nice in the shade. After about 10 minutes it feels good. I was really looking forward to getting some heat, our house has actually been a little cool the last 2 days with the breeze coming through the windows. Anyways...Sunday afternoon I took a nap and went shopping in Katelin's closet. I got some old stuff back and some really nice new stuff for me! That was fun! And a memory I'll have every time I wear her stuff. Then in the evening we went to youth group with Katelin, and came home to a fresh shrimp snack. Yummm!

Monday, 28th
Woke up semi-early, said bye to Mom and Katelin at the church while helping out with VBS. Then Dad drove Tim and I to Carrollton to Sarah's house for a short visit. We said bye there, again making me homesick for my family already. It was so nice to visit with Sarah. I really appreciate her friendship and love hanging out with her and her husband. After about 30 minutes Sarah and Joe drove us to Redeemer (our old church) to hang out with the youth kids there. It was so great to see all of them and hear about what all they're doing now. Going off to college, going to be seniors, and really growing up! Two of the youth drove us to the airport which was a great treat. They were just starting to drive when we were there. The flight was good, I finished my "The Biggest Loser" book and got really inspired to start their total body work out on top of my cardio...that's a whole other blog. We got to Minnesota in the evening, waited around a while to get taxied to our car, then had a quick visit with Tim's brother Dan and his wife Maggie. They were so kind to have some dinner for us. Then off to our house!

I am really glad that we got to go to Texas. I wish we were able to see my brother Jon and my best friend Brianne. Next time we're down we'll have to make a point to make that happen. Pray for me 'cause I am homesick and wish we were living closer to my side of the family right after visiting. But I know that we are in the place where God wants us now. There's no doubt that we're in God's will, it is just hard at times.

Posted in: ministry, texas, vacation on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at at 7:57 PM 0 comments    

Tim has set up 2 nights this summer for parents to come over for dinner and get to know Tim, myself, and other parents. Tonight was our first one, and it was great! We had 8 people show up, with us made 10. Everyone brought part of the dinner, and we sat around sharing about how to better serve the youth, helping them in their spiritual walk. I really don't like to talk in large groups, and with 10 of us it was a little hard, but I kept feeling God pushing me to share a couple things, so I did. I had seen and knew who each parent was, but it was nice to have time to talk with them and get to know them better. We've been here for 18 months, and we still have a lot of people to get to know.

So, my last blog was about healthy stuff, and I've been doing pretty good, until today. Kelsey (the Mom and friend I am baby sitting for) bought some M&M ice cream treats for Tim and I. Tim wont eat them 'cause they're colored, so there's a whole box for me. Yikes! Luckily we have lots of college students (about 50 I'm hearing...) coming over, so I'm sure I can get someone to eat them. But, I also made the cheddar biscuits from Red Lobster, and we have a lot left over to give away tomorrow. I ate 1 and half of another, went back for seconds on the lasagna, and ate until I was really full. I'm glad our Pastor was here to ask me if I had gone jogging today 'cause I hardly thought of it today, and pretty much figured it was too late to jog. But once everyone was gone, and it was a little after 9 with a tiny bit of light left, I headed out.

I am so grateful for that accountability. For some reason when I put my ipod on and started stretching I got quite a bit of energy. I think I probably did my first mile in about 10 minutes, but I didn't want myself to slack off after that so I forced myself not to look at my watch. It was so tempting the whole time to look 'cause I kept up my pace during my second mile and even sped up going up the hills. On my 3rd mile I slowed down a little, but still kept faster than my usual. When I finished I was so proud 'cause I did the 3.08 miles in 33:58!

I usually average around 36 minutes and however many seconds. This was a major improvement. Especially while still digesting food. I kept on thanking God the whole time for giving me the energy to keep up my pace. Especially when I got inside the house and there was no more sun light. Hopefully I wont be to burned out tomorrow so I can do another 3 miles jog. Hopefully at the same pace, but I'm not counting on it! :)

Posted in: exercise, jogging, ministry on Friday, July 11, 2008 at at 8:43 PM 1 comments    

We've actually been back for a little while. God did some pretty amazing things while we were in Belize. We mainly did VBS, had a couple days of construction on the Christian camp in Hattieville, visited a nursing home, orphanage, and did outreaches in the market place on the main land and island.

God used me mainly as a behind the scenes person with administration and discipline. Not my favorite choice, but God knows what He is doing. It was great seeing the kids stepping up to something they weren't exactly comfortable with, but being open to what God wanted to do through them. The nursing home was a huge place for that. We couldn't even understand half of the people there, but God used us to paint their nails and just love on the women. Something they don't usually get... physical attention.

All the pictures are posted on our youth group's website if you want to check them out.

This was mine and Tim's first missions trip to go on as a married couple. That was pretty special, and I think God helped us out a lot trying to learn how to shift over to ministry as a married couple. Pretty exciting.

Tim and I are home for two weeks before we head south for vacation with my side of the family. I am trying to get back into my jogging routine after being off of it for 3 weeks because of Belize and getting sick before the trip. I jogged 3 miles yesterday and 2.5 with Tim today. Both days pretty much killed me. I'm completely sore, but hopefully I'll get use to it again.

Posted in: Belize, ministry, missions, youth on Saturday, July 05, 2008 at at 6:03 PM 1 comments    

There has been lots going on lately.
I've been subbing in different schools now that my long term position is up. I had a wonderful 1st grade class Thursday afternoon and got to see them Friday when I subbed in music.
Tim's brother and sister (Mark and Grace) came up Wednesday and will be with us through Thursday. Monday, his other brothers and their families will come hang out for Memorial Day.

I have been emailing back and forth with a girl from my long term position. She will be in 7th grade next year and of age for our youth group, so I sent her our summer schedule and her mom said she can come to some of it! I am so excited to hopefully get her plugged in to the church. Plus this will be a great way for her to meet more people who will be at the middle school. She is coming from a really small school, so this should help her feel more comfortable. I can't wait for our summer schedule to start and see her again.

Scroll through the pictures to see what else is happening.

It is almost June and our apple tree is finally showing signs of Spring. The apple blossoms were in full bloom in time for Mother's Day last year.

This is our plum bush. I didn't even know it existed until Fall last year when it had fruit. There are tons of these plum bushes. I can't wait to eat them this year!

Grace and I were walking around finding things to photograph. This little guy was doing different poses for us; this is my favorite.



And finally, Tim's iMac came by FedEx today. We had a grad party to go to this afternoon, and when we got home the package was on the porch. He hasn't moved from this spot since he set it up. We'll see if he steps away any time before bedtime.

Look close and you can notice Tim's short hair. I gave him a haircut this morning. I think I'm getting better each time. He's such a good sport about it! :)

Posted in: family, iMac, ministry on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at at 4:10 PM 1 comments    

I am so excited for our youth group! There is a guy who use to lead the youth praise band at his church and has moved to town to attend the tech school and volunteered to help kick start a Jr. high and Sr. high youth band. We have so many talented youth in our church, so it is very exciting to see their talent put to use. Some of them help out with Sunday services, but we have a lot more students who are not involved on Sunday mornings.

Tonight was the first night for our Sr. High praise band to play for youth group. They did an incredible job. I am really proud of them. Last Tuesday was their first practice and tonight their first time to play. What a good job at jumping in there and getting it started! Wednesday will be the first night for our Jr. High praise band to play. I can't wait to hear them. I like having worship by music in youth programs.

Posted in: ministry, youth praise band on Sunday, March 09, 2008 at at 11:02 PM 0 comments    

I started my devotional by Elizabeth George over this week. I half heartedly started it a few months ago and barely got into it, but lately God has really been working on my heart, and especially my mind. God has really opened my eyes that my mind has really been something I have struggled to keep focused on God. It's always been easier to focus on negative things for me and has taken all my strength and God's to keep my thoughts on what is righteous and true.

I have also been trying to be more in tune with what God is trying to tell me or where he is leading me throughout the day. I'm getting a lot of practice with this at Wednesday night small group with our 8th grade girls. We were going to split up into 3 smaller groups and take prayer requests first, but almost everyone had the same type of prayer request so we stayed together and talked about what was going on and how they feel about it and how they can make a difference. It was really awesome to find more about what the girls go through at school and everything taking place around them. And eventually our conversation lead to some Bible verses that were actually in the lesson for the week.

I am really excited to go through the process God has started me on this week of how to love God with all my mind. The girls in my small group want to do a slumber party some time, and I mentioned to them about incorporating a Bible study with it and they were really excited. It's nice to know when God is working in me, and see him working in others as well. How great it is to know that He loves us so much!

Posted in: Bible Study, Elizabeth George, Loving God with All Your Mind, ministry on Wednesday, March 05, 2008 at at 7:44 PM 0 comments    

Tim and I have been in Minnesota for a year now! God has made it clear that this is where we are to be right now, and I am so thankful for that. Wednesday was the one year of the day we arrived here, and wow did God move at small groups that night! We were going along with our lesson when one of the girls was suppose to read a verse, but mistakenly looked up a different verse, then tried it again and came up with another verse that tied directly to the first "mistake." Then we read the verse with our lesson and I stopped us and said, "Let's go back and read those verses again and see if God is trying to tell us something." And sure enough, it convicted something one of the girls had just said, and convicted my heart about something Tim and I had talked about a couple nights prior. And the other girls were able to find something in their life that the verses applied to also. I love it when God shows up and gives us His agenda!

For Valentine's Day the girls in my small group had the great idea to make Valentine's cards for members of our church in senior homes and nursing homes. So Marcia (my co-leader) and I spent a couple hours on Thursday delivering the cards and visiting with people. It was such a rewarding day with lots of laughter and tears. Some of the women we met completely blessed us with our visit. I think that made this year my favorite Valentine's Day. I can't think of a better way than using the holiday to serve Christ.

Posted in: February, ministry, Valentine's Day on Friday, February 15, 2008 at at 9:08 PM 0 comments    

I continue to be amazed by my group of 8th grade girls I work with at youth group/confirmation. Last week I wasn't feeling well and not up to leading the group, so I asked, "Who wants to lead tonight?" And Brittany volunteered without a question. She did an awesome job keeping us on track leading the discussion and the girls were very respectful of her leading. At the end of the class I asked if anyone wanted to lead for this week and I immediately had 2 volunteers. So Tara lead yesterday and did an amazing job. And next week Crosbee is going to lead. I am very impressed with the girls volunteering to lead the group, and it is working out really well. We were having to break up into smaller groups with so many girls to keep the chatting down, but it is working really well with the girls leading. They all really get into the discussion and ask great questions and help each other out. I am so blessed to get to work with this group of girls. I am also blessed to have 2 great co-teachers with me. God put us all together for a purpose.

Posted in: ministry on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at at 3:05 PM 0 comments    

Christmas was wonderful. Mom, Dad, and Katelin all came up on Christmas Eve and stayed 'til the 29th. We had a great time. We went sledding every day but one, played a lot of games (mainly Mexican Train) and gave my parents a tour around town. It was a nice relaxing and fun time having them up here. Hopefully I'll get the pictures on my computer soon so I can post them.

Tim has been doing some free websites to get fun toys. So far he has gotten an xbox 360 elite and an ipod touch for free! So he pretty much had his Christmas before Christmas thanks to himself. The junior high youth leaders all pitched in and got Tim Guitar Hero III for the xbox, that has been a fun game. Before Christmas we had the junior high kids over for a game night of xbox and card/board games. Then on New Years Eve we had the senior high kids over for another game night and sledding. Needless to say, I'm tired of all the songs on Guitar Hero, but it was worth it to spend time with the youth.

My work life has calmed down dramatically. Hallmark was done before Christmas and Friday was my last day to teach at the pre-school I was at all December long. Now all I am doing is substitute teaching. It's a bummer going from a steady position for a month back to a random class each day blindly, not knowing what to expect of the students and what they are working on.

My voice came back which was nice, too bad I didn't have it for work though. Oh well. This morning I was sneezing and blowing my nose constantly so I took some allergy medicine before church which made me really loopy. I am still feeling the effects of it, so I guess it's a 12 hour thing. Hmm.

Sundays will be even busier for Tim and I for a couple months. We'll be going to the 8:30 service, teaching 7&8th grade Sunday School at 9:45 then at 11:00 help out with another class teaching Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. Today was the first day with that schedule, so I'm pretty tired. Hopefully I'll get use to it and I wont be so drained each Sunday.

Posted in: Christmas, ministry, work on Sunday, January 06, 2008 at at 2:05 PM 1 comments    

I am so tired. This have been busy lately and will only get busier until Christmas. Then time to relax! We are also covered in snow right now! I'm not sure how much actually is on the ground, I haven't had time to just go have fun yet. I hope soon though. We're supposed to get 2-5 more inches of snow tomorrow. It's gonna be really deep after that! I am starting to feel a little more comfortable driving on the roads. It's much easier to drive right now than in the spring when the roads get icy.

So what has been going on...Tim had the stomach flu. I stayed away sleeping in our living room and didn't catch it! Woohoo! Tim lost at least 20lbs with it. Not fun! Same day he got sick I had a terrible class that I substitute taught. I am thinking about not subbing in that school anymore, we'll see. There is one class that I know I could handle, but for the most part the kids are rough. So I was completely stressed and upset about my day and came home to find Tim sick in bed, so I was hoping to get sympathy until I saw him, and I gave sympathy instead.

Friday night and Saturday we were suppose to be in the city for Planet Wisdom with the kids. We still went Friday, but because of the snow on Saturday we came home that night too, at 2:30am. It was fun, just a bummer to leave early. We had such a great group of youth go, I wish we had more time together.

Tim's xbox also came this weekend, so we spent a lot of time playing on Saturday. Then forced ourselves to take a break and clean the house. Tomorrow we have the youth worker's Christmas party at our house. We still have a few things to do to be ready for it, but either way we'll have it! :)

I haven't been out to take pictures of the snow, hopefully tomorrow I can do that. I wish I had my camera at pre-school today. We went outside for recess to let the kids play in the snow, and at one point 4 of my girls were sitting in a row with a big chunk of snow eating. I had to make one girl go in that was shaking a LOT because she was so cold, but she didn't make the decision for herself 'cause she was enjoying the snow so much.

Hopefully I'll get better at blogging more often. I miss it, I have just been busy.

Oh! Tonight working at Hallmark was fun. Our senior pastor's wife was in there shopping so we got to talk for a little bit, and then she came back and her son who is in the youth group came too. It's so much fun to see people in there!

Posted in: marriage, ministry, weather, work on Monday, December 03, 2007 at at 8:33 PM 0 comments    

Small Groups on Wednesday was a blast. We're trying to keep things mixed up so every week doesn't become boring when we meet. Yesterday we talked about the miracles Jesus performed and the girls had the choice to either act out a miracle or act as news reporters and do the news paper based on a miracle. We had 2 groups of 2 and one group of 3. Turns out they all did the miracle of Jesus casting out the demon Legion and sending it into the herd of pigs. It was neat to see all of their interpretations.

We also gave our girls the choice of how to do the next few Wednesdays before Christmas. We don't have any weeks for us to just meet and hang out together, so the girls decided to do 2 sessions for next week and bump everything up a week and the week before Christmas we'll do our own Christmas party in our room on Wednesday. The girls are so excited to get started planning on who will do what. I told them to wait 'til next week and we'll have them sign up for things so they have a week to think about it.

I didn't get a subbing job yesterday or today. Pretty bummed, and then school is out tomorrow. So I just worked a half day on Tuesday when we got back, I'm glad I took that position! So all day long I sewed and sewed and sewed. I'm having fun, but my back is hurting, and I'm afraid I'm gonna get pretty bored when my projects are done, but they've gotta be done before the holidays. I set everything up in front of the TV since Tim was at work I didn't want to sit in silence in our room by the garage. I'm trying to get everything done pretty quickly so I can clean up the living room.

Posted in: ministry, sewing on Thursday, November 08, 2007 at at 4:38 PM 0 comments    

Tim and I have a day and a half more of the National Youth Workers Convention. I will post about it when I get home. We haven't had a lot of internet time, so I try to jump on when I can. If you want to keep up with what we're doing you can go to Tim's blog.

Yesterday was a great day though. God completely blessed us. There are tons of drawings to win free stuff, and I won 3 of them yesterday which is so completely amazing. 2 of them were back to back where the big crowd just went from booth to booth, lets just say people weren't too happy that I one twice in a row. :) But I sure enjoyed it!

Posted in: ministry on Sunday, November 04, 2007 at at 7:01 AM 0 comments    

Thursday morning Tim and I leave bright and early to go to Saint Louis. We are going to the National Youth Workers Convention. This will be my 3rd one and I am so excited! I have been looking at the schedule to see what seminars I want to go to, and I have a feeling it's not going to be real easy to make a decision of which to go to. There are around 15 options for each Seminar Series, and I've narrowed it down to about 2 or 3 for each one. We can only choose one for each Seminar. Tim and I will probably go to a few together then split up for others. I haven't asked which ones he is interested in yet. Here's what I'm thinking so far:

Friday Seminar Series #1:
*Passing the Torch: Developing and Training Student Leaders with Dave Ambrose
*How to Effectively Minister to Middle School Girls with Heather Flies (She was the speaker for MUUUCE this year with our Jr. Highers.)

Saturday Seminar Series #2:
* Players, Prudes, and Purity Rings: The Truth about Teenage Sexuality with Krystal Kirgiss
* Parent Pains? How to Turn the Parents of Your Students into Your Biggest Fans with Marv Penner (I haven't had parent pains in ministry yet, but I would like to learn how to make our relations better.)

Saturday Super Seminar Series #3 : (2.5 hrs.)
* Middle School Ministry: Everything We Can Cram Into 2.5 Hours with Scott Rubin and April Diaz
* Youth Culture 101 with Walt Mueller
* Helping Parents when Their Kids are in Crisis with Rich Van Pelt

Sunday Seminar Series #4:
* Why Talking Helps: What Neuroscience is Telling Us About Relationships, Personal Narrative and Spiritual Formation with Mark Matlock
* Lessons on Leadership with Tic Long
* Marriage, Ministry, and Family: Q & A with Doug and Cathy Fields

Sunday Seminar Series #5:
* Building Bridges: Helping Parents and Their Teenagers Have a Better Relationship with Andy Braner
* Positive Discipline: Working With Rude, Obnoxious and Apathetic Kids with Les Christie
* Before the Hurts Are Too Deep: Ministering to Today's Middle Schoolers with Chap Clark
* Help! I Married a Youth Worker! with Cathy Fields
* A New Vision for Middle School Ministry with Mark Oestreicher
* Reach Out, Don't Freak Out!: Equipping Your Teens to Share Their Faith with Greg Stier

Monday Seminar Series #6:
* The Cleavers, The Brady Bunch, and The Osbornes: Family Ministry in the 21st Century by Kevin McGlamery

Posted in: ministry on Monday, October 29, 2007 at at 10:19 PM 0 comments