I love youth pastors. I really do. I may be a bit biased having been married to one and basically been one myself, but really I think they may be favorites of a few other non youth ministry people.
This past weekend I spent a very wet weekend (it literally did not stop raining from the moment I left AU until the time I returned) up near Lake Michigan at Camp Warner at a Youth Leaders retreat for the CHOG in the State of Michigan. Leaving, I wasn't very excited and I wasn't feeling the greatest. But I left with a different attitude. Over the course of the weekend I heard bits and pieces about these youth pastors lives and ministries. Many of them were volunteers who worked full time and moonlighted as youth pastors at their small churches. BLESS THEM! Youth ministry is not a part time job even if it is advertised as on. To do honestly effective youth ministry, it is a full time lifestyle type of job. These people were doing that!
We shared our joys and pains of working with middle school students. They were nice enough to share some of their stories with me, a perfect stranger to them. One youth leader that just captured me was...well I don't remember his name at the moment. I sat down with him at dinner one night and the other fellows from our table had left and just asked some questions about him and his ministry. He is in construction full time but also does the youth ministry at a small (possibly dying) church near Detriot. He said he came from a larger church that had alot going on, plenty of resources but he wasn't being used there. So he and his wife happened to stop by this church one Sunday and found out they did not have a youth pastor and there a few youth in the church. So they made the switch. Talk about "SEE A NEED FILL A NEED". He was sacrificing and giving up working with aministry that had plenty to reach a few youth at a dying church. I don't think I could have done that. Doing Youth Ministry with out a budget can be frustrating and difficult, but it can be the most rewarding at times.
And to my surprise, most of these youth pastors were nearing 40 and OVER!! One had been in youth ministry for 32 years, another 18 years. These are lifers! Previous to going on this retreat I met with someone at a School of Theology. He told me that they encourage youth pastors to really consider an M.Div because, " lets be honest, you're not going to do Youth Ministry forever. You grow out of it and the natural progression is to become a SR Pastor". I don't agree with this guys line of thinking here, but my short meeting with him was not the time to challenge him. And I was so glad to see these two youth pastors, one who was in his 50's and the other who was 44, still doing youth ministry. One of them was the Middle School Ministry pastor!!!
I left this weekend with a continued passion for youth ministry. There is just something about being in a room full of people who love youth ministry, who love youth enough to sacrifice a weekend to learn how to work and coach young people. I hope when I go to Heaven that I get into the wing of God's big house that is full of youth pastors.
9.14.2008
9.11.2008
Life as I Know It
Life changes, obviously. Now that I live in a dorm again, I have not made it to bed before 12am. MIDNIGHT!!!! I totally feel old saying that. But not being a morning person at all, makes it even worse. I don't have to be at work until 9 am, but it is still like pulling teeth to get out of bed. I try and try and try, but to no avail.
But the time that used to be spent in bed is typically spent talking with students, or putting my house back together. It is a good trade off, so I really shouldn't complain. But be praying for rest and plenty of energy
But the time that used to be spent in bed is typically spent talking with students, or putting my house back together. It is a good trade off, so I really shouldn't complain. But be praying for rest and plenty of energy
8.28.2008
What a day!
Phew!!! College Freshmen have junk! Seriously! and they think they can squeeze their entire house (including the kitchen sink) into a room that is near 9ft by 5 ft. (ok maybe a bit bigger, but not much!) But they do show some great ingenuity and end up configuring everything to their taste and create a successful living area of their choice!
Today was freshmen move in day. There was such a great buzz on campus. Excitement, stress, anxiousness, independence, anticipation, and maybe some saddness. I had a conversation with a younger brother (yeah! I was doing my job today!!) of a incoming freshmen girl. He was excited for her but said that he is really going to miss his big sister. He said she mentioned she planned on coming home alot...she was going to miss the family. I remember being at a totally different place. I wanted to go home, but wanted to spread my wings of independence.
As this new year begins I'm excited to see who these freshmen become. They will find their place here at AU, and take the next steps into their big new future!
So for the next year, I will let my arms rest. I should probably start working out so that I can be prepared for next year's freshmen and all that their little cars may bring!
Today was freshmen move in day. There was such a great buzz on campus. Excitement, stress, anxiousness, independence, anticipation, and maybe some saddness. I had a conversation with a younger brother (yeah! I was doing my job today!!) of a incoming freshmen girl. He was excited for her but said that he is really going to miss his big sister. He said she mentioned she planned on coming home alot...she was going to miss the family. I remember being at a totally different place. I wanted to go home, but wanted to spread my wings of independence.
As this new year begins I'm excited to see who these freshmen become. They will find their place here at AU, and take the next steps into their big new future!
So for the next year, I will let my arms rest. I should probably start working out so that I can be prepared for next year's freshmen and all that their little cars may bring!
8.20.2008
Solid Truth
I've been reading. Simple statement, but it has taken a some effort to get as far as I have in this great book.
Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith.
Its been out for a while. I've had it on my bookself for 2 years, if not going on 3. I started it once, but as it goes with most books I start...I get halfway through and stop. Not because it isn't a good book, I most likely got distracted or enticed by another good read. But I'm glad, very glad that I came back to this one. I highly recommend it to everyone no matter where you are in your faith journey. It will definitely help you think.
As I'm nearing the end of the book, one thing resinated enough with me that I wanted to blog it out.
"...if people were taught more about who they are, they wouldn't have to be told what to do. It would come naturally." He goes on to say..."The point isn't sin management. The point is who we are now."
I may have ripped the page I underlined those phrases in such a strong, loud "Amen!!!" fashion. How true is that. If we taught more about who they are...If we spoke truth into the lives of those around us and less negativity, how would we live differently?
If we told children more of the truth...that they are good, that they are whole, that they are loved, that they are valued, that they are here for a specific purpose...how much more would they live up to that. What if we told children other than our own, that they matter, that they are made to do great things, that they were made to choose great things and not do so in a condescending demeanor. Not as if it is an expectation, but that it is a truth about them. We all know how impressionable they are. If you tell a young adolescent that they are funny because they did a certain thing, do they not typically try and replicate what they just did over and over and over and over again to get laugh?
We need to lay claim to the lives of the youth in our lives. We need to cover them with these truths. We need to believe these truths about them. We need to believe these truths about ourselves too. We ALL are created for greatness. Christ died so we could see our potential and we miss the point (don't get hung up on your shortcomings though, thats missing the point).
This book so far has been one of those divine appointments. I'm reading it at the right time. A time where I have been questioning where I'm at and really reevaluating what this whole thing called life is really about.
Read the book. I am wanting someone to chew on it and dialogue with me!!!
Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith.
Its been out for a while. I've had it on my bookself for 2 years, if not going on 3. I started it once, but as it goes with most books I start...I get halfway through and stop. Not because it isn't a good book, I most likely got distracted or enticed by another good read. But I'm glad, very glad that I came back to this one. I highly recommend it to everyone no matter where you are in your faith journey. It will definitely help you think.
As I'm nearing the end of the book, one thing resinated enough with me that I wanted to blog it out.
"...if people were taught more about who they are, they wouldn't have to be told what to do. It would come naturally." He goes on to say..."The point isn't sin management. The point is who we are now."
I may have ripped the page I underlined those phrases in such a strong, loud "Amen!!!" fashion. How true is that. If we taught more about who they are...If we spoke truth into the lives of those around us and less negativity, how would we live differently?
If we told children more of the truth...that they are good, that they are whole, that they are loved, that they are valued, that they are here for a specific purpose...how much more would they live up to that. What if we told children other than our own, that they matter, that they are made to do great things, that they were made to choose great things and not do so in a condescending demeanor. Not as if it is an expectation, but that it is a truth about them. We all know how impressionable they are. If you tell a young adolescent that they are funny because they did a certain thing, do they not typically try and replicate what they just did over and over and over and over again to get laugh?
We need to lay claim to the lives of the youth in our lives. We need to cover them with these truths. We need to believe these truths about them. We need to believe these truths about ourselves too. We ALL are created for greatness. Christ died so we could see our potential and we miss the point (don't get hung up on your shortcomings though, thats missing the point).
This book so far has been one of those divine appointments. I'm reading it at the right time. A time where I have been questioning where I'm at and really reevaluating what this whole thing called life is really about.
Read the book. I am wanting someone to chew on it and dialogue with me!!!
8.15.2008
2012 Olympic Hopeful
Watch out world. I may be entering the Olympics the next time around.
I just found out that Walking is an Olympic sport.....I start training tomorrow, after my foot rub.
I just found out that Walking is an Olympic sport.....I start training tomorrow, after my foot rub.
The Ultimatum
So I asked my husband for a foot rub tonight. For some reason my dogs are just aching.
Wait let me take you back a few minutes earlier in the conversation. He was sitting down with the computer and was ready to put it away and asked if I needed it. I said no...I'm good for the evening and ready to just relax. He laid it down to join me on the couch and finish up the evening with the Olympics (we just missed Phelp's 7th Gold, we're totally addicted) But he jumped back up to grab the computer for something and I jokingly said "Oh you need to blog tonight?" (He's always blogging!) He said no but YOU need to blog. You haven't blogged in a while. I gave him my typical..."whatever, I've had things to do" response.
As he was sitting next to me I asked him to rub my feet. He replied..."I'll rub your feet if you blog tonight."
So I blogged! (sorry if you were hoping for something more exciting or life changing or deep)
And now I'm off to get my feet rubbed and watching Torres swim to glory!
Wait let me take you back a few minutes earlier in the conversation. He was sitting down with the computer and was ready to put it away and asked if I needed it. I said no...I'm good for the evening and ready to just relax. He laid it down to join me on the couch and finish up the evening with the Olympics (we just missed Phelp's 7th Gold, we're totally addicted) But he jumped back up to grab the computer for something and I jokingly said "Oh you need to blog tonight?" (He's always blogging!) He said no but YOU need to blog. You haven't blogged in a while. I gave him my typical..."whatever, I've had things to do" response.
As he was sitting next to me I asked him to rub my feet. He replied..."I'll rub your feet if you blog tonight."
So I blogged! (sorry if you were hoping for something more exciting or life changing or deep)
And now I'm off to get my feet rubbed and watching Torres swim to glory!
8.01.2008
Recent Obession
So, typically I find a new song, new idea, new webpage, new something or other and I can get quite addicted. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there that is like this, so I thought I might share my new obsession with others who share the same obsession or possibly to enlighten others of this great "new" thing that has come my way.
So if you have seen the Movie Mamma Mia....it is a slight bit different than the stage production I'm sure. But I LOVE IT!!! It is a modern day version of the stage production. I have a few friends who have seen it 2 or even 3 times. (I would if I had a better budget!) The music just plays through your head, even a few weeks after seeing it. I had to download the soundtrack the night after I saw the movie....that's not normal for me!!
I love it. I wish I had a soundtrack that played through out my life. On those good days, I think Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves would be playing. Or maybe Cut Loose by Kenny Login's would be playing some days. And there'd be plenty of sweet sappy music playing, maybe some Marvin Gaye too. OH I'd have a great soundtrack to listen to. And maybe just a select few could have this power (kind of like a super hero power). Because honestly, if everyone had this power then it would just be an absolute mess and really annoying.
But until I am granted that great power, dancing and singing in the comfort and privacy of my own home to the sounds of Mamma Mia will just have to do...
So if you have seen the Movie Mamma Mia....it is a slight bit different than the stage production I'm sure. But I LOVE IT!!! It is a modern day version of the stage production. I have a few friends who have seen it 2 or even 3 times. (I would if I had a better budget!) The music just plays through your head, even a few weeks after seeing it. I had to download the soundtrack the night after I saw the movie....that's not normal for me!!
I love it. I wish I had a soundtrack that played through out my life. On those good days, I think Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves would be playing. Or maybe Cut Loose by Kenny Login's would be playing some days. And there'd be plenty of sweet sappy music playing, maybe some Marvin Gaye too. OH I'd have a great soundtrack to listen to. And maybe just a select few could have this power (kind of like a super hero power). Because honestly, if everyone had this power then it would just be an absolute mess and really annoying.
But until I am granted that great power, dancing and singing in the comfort and privacy of my own home to the sounds of Mamma Mia will just have to do...
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