it's worth repeating that it's easier to say see you later than goodbye...
this has been a week of goodbyes for me...we just finished our final youth activity with the students of XLR8, and what and awesome time we had! It was so bittersweet, and there were times my emotions overtook me (thanks, kati, for loving me) , but God used that weekend in spite of all the tough emotions to get His work done, and I thank Him for that.
last night was our farewell reception at the church, and it was so great (thanks to the greatest friends in the world)... at first i was so overwhelmed with emotion, that i just wanted to leave. i couldn't imagine saying goodbye to all of these wonderful people that have become like family to me, and have loved me, my husband and kids as one of their own... the reception was so personal..they made all our favorites, and even used my favorite colors to decorate...wow!! i could feel the love, and i t was amazing. I pray for everyone that one day you could feel that loved, and could know how much people care for you...
as i was saying goodbye, i was reminded that one of the most amazing things about being in the kingdom of God is that we never say goodbye, we only say see you later... one day, we will spend eternity with each other. my brain can't comprehend that right now, and my humanness does not want to let go, but i know that when i get to heaven i will once again get to be part of an amazing reception...a welcoming reception, and all these same wonderful people will be there once again...
be encouraged today, that we only see a very small part of the picture... one day, we will rest from this life's work, and have complete peace and joy... don't grow weary, and never give up... take risks, and live life to the fullest... God bless the people of Dayspring....
Blessings!
9.29.2008
9.24.2008
thank you, thank you
it's worth repeating that where God guides, He provides...
I know it sounds almost cheesy, and I am one who shies away from "corny", "rhymy" sayings because they don't sound sincere, but this one is true!
my husband, matt, and I, and our 3 children, are getting ready to embark on a new, crazy, scary journey with God to lead pastor a church that needs a new chance... i am scared to go, sad to leave where we are, and overwhelmed with moving our entire family, but God has still been very faithful.
we were in columbus yesterday for a sectional minister's meeting where our sectional presbyter (konan) said that his church was going to make a financial commitment to Lifepoint church (our new church) to help get it going again...that is so God because He is taking care of His church. That same day, someone bought our lunch, and then bought our coffees at Starbucks. The whole day God was just providing. That night (last night), we found a home to rent...we have been looking for a while and it has been very frustrating, but God has provided for us again what we need for our family.
we also talked to our new DYD (district youth director) and he was a great comfort to me. he was saying how when he left youth ministry that it was very painful to him and he would cry just thinking about it...i think he might have started to tear up just talking about it with us. anyway, it helped me to know that i am not just a crazy hormonal woman for feeling the way i do. he said that i am a great pastor because of the way i feel. it shows how much i love these kids and have invested in them...i will always love them so much and will always care that they are serving the Lord...
i guess i say all that to say that God sees where you are...and He is going to take care of you, too...
Blessings!
I know it sounds almost cheesy, and I am one who shies away from "corny", "rhymy" sayings because they don't sound sincere, but this one is true!
my husband, matt, and I, and our 3 children, are getting ready to embark on a new, crazy, scary journey with God to lead pastor a church that needs a new chance... i am scared to go, sad to leave where we are, and overwhelmed with moving our entire family, but God has still been very faithful.
we were in columbus yesterday for a sectional minister's meeting where our sectional presbyter (konan) said that his church was going to make a financial commitment to Lifepoint church (our new church) to help get it going again...that is so God because He is taking care of His church. That same day, someone bought our lunch, and then bought our coffees at Starbucks. The whole day God was just providing. That night (last night), we found a home to rent...we have been looking for a while and it has been very frustrating, but God has provided for us again what we need for our family.
we also talked to our new DYD (district youth director) and he was a great comfort to me. he was saying how when he left youth ministry that it was very painful to him and he would cry just thinking about it...i think he might have started to tear up just talking about it with us. anyway, it helped me to know that i am not just a crazy hormonal woman for feeling the way i do. he said that i am a great pastor because of the way i feel. it shows how much i love these kids and have invested in them...i will always love them so much and will always care that they are serving the Lord...
i guess i say all that to say that God sees where you are...and He is going to take care of you, too...
Blessings!
9.17.2008
friends to family
it's worth repeating that friends are the family you choose for yourself...
I have so many amazing friends! I am so thankful for the people God has put in my life...
As I am preparing to leave Bowling Green to go to Delaware, Ohio, the hardest part for me are the people that I am leaving behind. The friends. The students. The pastors. The pastor's wives. The moms from momtime.
Tonight, we went as a family to an 8th grade football game where one of our students was playing quarterback, and one was a cheerleader. Everytime I see our students, I am so proud of them. I get sad because I want to be around to see more of their lives and see how the chapters will unfold.
Today, I texted a friend who told me that she is just having a hard time with me leaving. I know how she feels. I am having such a hard time leaving, knowing that spontaneous coffee runs, and midnight movies, and late night dairy queen cravings will be no more. I will miss seeing her at church and at momtime, and at softball games, and everywhere. Someone asked me the other day if we were sisters. Biologically, we're not, but as far as being tied together, we are definitely sisters!
Another friend gave me a song that reminded her of me, and I have listened to it over and over to feel the encouragement...
Tonight, my mother (in-law), emailed me to let me now she is praying for me, and it meant the world to me to know that she is thinking of me during this time...
People keep me going... God has put some of the best people in the world in my life... my husband. my kids. my family. my friends.
Don't forget to tell someone how much they mean to you tonight... it will probably make their day and help them get through whatever they are facing.
Blessings
I have so many amazing friends! I am so thankful for the people God has put in my life...
As I am preparing to leave Bowling Green to go to Delaware, Ohio, the hardest part for me are the people that I am leaving behind. The friends. The students. The pastors. The pastor's wives. The moms from momtime.
Tonight, we went as a family to an 8th grade football game where one of our students was playing quarterback, and one was a cheerleader. Everytime I see our students, I am so proud of them. I get sad because I want to be around to see more of their lives and see how the chapters will unfold.
Today, I texted a friend who told me that she is just having a hard time with me leaving. I know how she feels. I am having such a hard time leaving, knowing that spontaneous coffee runs, and midnight movies, and late night dairy queen cravings will be no more. I will miss seeing her at church and at momtime, and at softball games, and everywhere. Someone asked me the other day if we were sisters. Biologically, we're not, but as far as being tied together, we are definitely sisters!
Another friend gave me a song that reminded her of me, and I have listened to it over and over to feel the encouragement...
Tonight, my mother (in-law), emailed me to let me now she is praying for me, and it meant the world to me to know that she is thinking of me during this time...
People keep me going... God has put some of the best people in the world in my life... my husband. my kids. my family. my friends.
Don't forget to tell someone how much they mean to you tonight... it will probably make their day and help them get through whatever they are facing.
Blessings
Get some sleep!
it's worth repeating that a good night's sleep can cure almost anything...
I have had a few rough days...with thinking about leaving our youth ministry, with packing, with thinking about leaving friends, with trying to find a place to live... just thinking a lot about a lot of things.. and the enemy was really getting the best of me..
Monday, my sweet little Kaitlyn created amazing artwork with PERMANENT marker on our carpet, our rocking chair, my son's dresser and crib, not to mention herself and her brother...
Today, she locked herself in the bathroom and I had to call someone to come get her out...
On top of that, I barely slept for two nights in a row...
I am a person who NEEDS sleep to function. I need sleep to have the strength to deal with the little surprises and BIG messes that my little blessings make! I need sleep to have the perseverance to fight the enemy when he is trying to devour my soul.
Sometimes we can overspiritualize things and think that if we just prayed more, or read our Bible more, or memorized more scripture, or said more faith statements, we could make it through anything...prayer does help, the Bible is our food, faith is good...but we are also human and need rest. Last night, I went to bed early, fell asleep reading my Bible, and then woke up ready to face the day with God's help and a rested mind.
If you are tired or worn out, maybe it is not because you are a failing Christian with not much faith..maybe it's because you are a tired human who needs some rest...so get some!!
Blessings!
I have had a few rough days...with thinking about leaving our youth ministry, with packing, with thinking about leaving friends, with trying to find a place to live... just thinking a lot about a lot of things.. and the enemy was really getting the best of me..
Monday, my sweet little Kaitlyn created amazing artwork with PERMANENT marker on our carpet, our rocking chair, my son's dresser and crib, not to mention herself and her brother...
Today, she locked herself in the bathroom and I had to call someone to come get her out...
On top of that, I barely slept for two nights in a row...
I am a person who NEEDS sleep to function. I need sleep to have the strength to deal with the little surprises and BIG messes that my little blessings make! I need sleep to have the perseverance to fight the enemy when he is trying to devour my soul.
Sometimes we can overspiritualize things and think that if we just prayed more, or read our Bible more, or memorized more scripture, or said more faith statements, we could make it through anything...prayer does help, the Bible is our food, faith is good...but we are also human and need rest. Last night, I went to bed early, fell asleep reading my Bible, and then woke up ready to face the day with God's help and a rested mind.
If you are tired or worn out, maybe it is not because you are a failing Christian with not much faith..maybe it's because you are a tired human who needs some rest...so get some!!
Blessings!
9.14.2008
When I am gone...
it's worth repeating that as a leader you will reproduce what you are...
Wow! Reproduction is a whole other subject that I don't ususally talk about until February when it comes up in the dating series!
I am sitting at an XLR8 worship practice just thinking about how much the students of XLR8 have grown in their gifts and talents for music and worship-leading...AMAZING!
I have tried to give my all and teach them everything I know while I have been one of their youth pastors. I have tried to pull confidence out of them and make them believe that God can use them! Some of them have grown so much!! And I am so proud of them! Soon, they will surpass anything I have ever done...I know that for sure!
I can remember how timid some of them were, how worried they were that they would mess up, and now I sit back and watch as they not only make it work, but they LEAD each other, and are training other musicians!
Now, I am off to a new mission. I will be starting with a new worship experience, and working with new musicians, and raising up new worshippers! It is an overwhelming task to start over again...but as I sit here and listen and watch these students, I know that God can give me the strength to do the work He has put before me... I want to leave a legacy wherever I go...
What legacy are you leaving?? What will people say about you when you leave?? Are they better for knowing you?? Or are you just exisiting?? What are you using your influence to accomplish?? Are you training the next generation to take the reins when it is their turn??
These are tough questions to ponder..but I know with God's help we can do the work He has asked us to do...
Blessings!!
Wow! Reproduction is a whole other subject that I don't ususally talk about until February when it comes up in the dating series!
I am sitting at an XLR8 worship practice just thinking about how much the students of XLR8 have grown in their gifts and talents for music and worship-leading...AMAZING!
I have tried to give my all and teach them everything I know while I have been one of their youth pastors. I have tried to pull confidence out of them and make them believe that God can use them! Some of them have grown so much!! And I am so proud of them! Soon, they will surpass anything I have ever done...I know that for sure!
I can remember how timid some of them were, how worried they were that they would mess up, and now I sit back and watch as they not only make it work, but they LEAD each other, and are training other musicians!
Now, I am off to a new mission. I will be starting with a new worship experience, and working with new musicians, and raising up new worshippers! It is an overwhelming task to start over again...but as I sit here and listen and watch these students, I know that God can give me the strength to do the work He has put before me... I want to leave a legacy wherever I go...
What legacy are you leaving?? What will people say about you when you leave?? Are they better for knowing you?? Or are you just exisiting?? What are you using your influence to accomplish?? Are you training the next generation to take the reins when it is their turn??
These are tough questions to ponder..but I know with God's help we can do the work He has asked us to do...
Blessings!!
9.13.2008
A Cleansing Change
It's worth repeating that change is a necessary evil...
Wow!! There are not many people who like, and even embrace, change. Most people order the same things at the same restaurants the same night of every week! We rarely try new foods because we are not sure if we will like the taste. We don't reach out to new friends because we are comfortable right where we are and don't want to risk rejection.
I am in the midst of HUGE change right now. The Lord has asked me to step away from everything that is comfortable to go into uncharted territory. I don't know exactly what lies ahead, but I am going to go on this adventure with God and with my family.
Matt and I and the kids will be moving next month to Delaware, Ohio to become lead pastors of Lifepoint church! We are excited for the opportunities, but also struggling with having to leave where we are.
I am going to be blogging about the feelings that come with change and also giving you updates on what is going on with our move and new opportunities.
Today, I am just feeling a bit overwhelmed with having to pack up our home and move again. Since we moved to Bowling Green a little over 3 years ago, we have added two children and a hamster and a whole lot more stuff to our household. So the organizing and sorting and purging has begun.
You know, it's good to sort through all the stuff in our hearts and minds sometimes and purge those things that don't belong. We carry around past failures, current fears, unconfessed sin, and all kinds of hurts and wounds. Those things can weigh us down so heavily that we forget what it means to serve the Lord with joy...life becomes a chore.
What do you need to give God for good?? THe Bible says to throw off all the things that weigh us down and keep us trapped... So it's time for a change!!!
Blessings!
Wow!! There are not many people who like, and even embrace, change. Most people order the same things at the same restaurants the same night of every week! We rarely try new foods because we are not sure if we will like the taste. We don't reach out to new friends because we are comfortable right where we are and don't want to risk rejection.
I am in the midst of HUGE change right now. The Lord has asked me to step away from everything that is comfortable to go into uncharted territory. I don't know exactly what lies ahead, but I am going to go on this adventure with God and with my family.
Matt and I and the kids will be moving next month to Delaware, Ohio to become lead pastors of Lifepoint church! We are excited for the opportunities, but also struggling with having to leave where we are.
I am going to be blogging about the feelings that come with change and also giving you updates on what is going on with our move and new opportunities.
Today, I am just feeling a bit overwhelmed with having to pack up our home and move again. Since we moved to Bowling Green a little over 3 years ago, we have added two children and a hamster and a whole lot more stuff to our household. So the organizing and sorting and purging has begun.
You know, it's good to sort through all the stuff in our hearts and minds sometimes and purge those things that don't belong. We carry around past failures, current fears, unconfessed sin, and all kinds of hurts and wounds. Those things can weigh us down so heavily that we forget what it means to serve the Lord with joy...life becomes a chore.
What do you need to give God for good?? THe Bible says to throw off all the things that weigh us down and keep us trapped... So it's time for a change!!!
Blessings!
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