We all have back-up plans right? Just in case. Just in case something goes wrong, or someone doesn't show up. Just in case we get lost or are late, or you name it, I have thought of it. In youth ministry I always have a plan B, and C, and D, E, F. You know, it's good to always be prepared. It may not be ideal and it definitely is not as good as plan A, but just in case, I am prepared.
Restraunts and stores have emergency exits. That extra way out just in case the unthinkable happens. It's a safety net, so to speak. Of course if you go out those emergency exits when there is no emergency, everyone is going to know because the alarm goes off. So, what am I getting at? God has a back-up plan for each of us. He has one for you and he has one for me.
It's great to know that when I fail that God has me covered, he's got my back. He is prepared for whatever stupid decision that I make by myself without giving any thought or consideration to what he has that is best for me. He's got me covered, it's great. Right?
Well yes it is, but why settle for plan B when God has a totally and completely amazing plan A for me? Why settle for climbing through the emergency exit when I can walk through the front door? Why do we constantly settle for second best instead of seeking what God has first for us?
I know that most of us can quote Jeremiah 29:11 (and those of you who it doesn't immediately come to mind for are looking it up, that's okay, it's good to crack the Bible open sometimes), God really does want what is best for us. His plan A, is his absolute BEST for us. It's not something that is just okay until we decide to ask for something better.
When God asks you to do something uncomfortable, and you manipulate it so you don't have to do exactly what God asked you to do, you aren't getting his plan A, you don't get his best. When God asks you to do something today, and you wait 2 weeks before doing it, that's not God's plan A. I know I know, it's not easy, it's hard, it's scary, it's uncomfortable. It leaves a nervous feeling in the pit of your stomach sometimes.
But here is the thing, when we follow plan A, immediate obedience, that is when we reap the biggest blessings from God. In Genesis 12 Abram had immediate obedience to God when he called him to go. He followed God's plan A. He didn't always, there were many times in Abram's life that he chose plan B or C or D instead of plan A. God continued to be faithful to Abram and blessed him greatly, but there are consequences when we don't chose God's plan A for our lives.
I don't want to settle anymore. I don't want to just go with plan B because it's easier. I don't want to just jet out through the emergency exit but it's right there instead of walking out the front door. I want God's BEST for my life. Are you settling for plan B, or are you always striving for God's plan A?
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Late Nights
I'm not usually up this late. Okay, I don't even remember the last time that I was up this late. Wait, never mind, that would have been at this time last week hanging out with a cabin full of teenage girls on the last night of camp. But seriously, I go to bed at 11 pm, like every single night. So, for me, it is completely unusual for me to be up at this hour.
And yet, here I am, sitting at the kitchen table with the only noises the ticking of the clock and the clicking of the keyboard as I type. I was in bed and almost asleep when my daughter got out of bed, and went back to bed, and got out of bed, and went back to bed, and got out of bed, and went back to bed...you get the point. So, by the time I got her settled back into bed and nice and cozy, I had lost my almost to sleepness. (I know it doesn't quite make sense, but I think you understand)
So, here I am, with the other 5 members of my family sound asleep, all by myself. It's kind of nice really, the house is rarely quiet with 4 young children running around. And if quiet does happen, it's usually a sign that someone is doing something that they aren't supposed to be doing, so I had better go and check on them. Thankfully not the case right now.
Someone once told me that when you can't sleep at night it's usually because God has something to tell you. I believe that God always has something to tell you, the problem is we are just to busy to listen. So, sometimes maybe in the quiet of the night, when the world is still and everyone is asleep, maybe it's a little easier to listen because there are less distractions.
I know what God is saying to me, the same thing that he has been talking to me about for a while. Something that I struggle with. Not because it is a bad thing, but because he is asking me to do something that is far beyond myself. But that's often what God asks of us isn't it? He asks us to do things that make us uncomfortable. He asks us to stretch ourselves and puts us into places and situations that we cannot succeed at on our own. There, in that place, in that moment, we must completely rely on him to bring us to success. Pretty awesome right? But we must be obedient to his calling, we must be obedient to what he is asking us to do in order to have that victory.
So, what do your late night conversations with God look like? What is he asking you to do that goes far beyond what you are capable of on your own? If you say nothing, then you really aren't listening to him.
It's goodnight for me. Morning comes early in my house, but I have a feeling it's going to be an amazing day!
And yet, here I am, sitting at the kitchen table with the only noises the ticking of the clock and the clicking of the keyboard as I type. I was in bed and almost asleep when my daughter got out of bed, and went back to bed, and got out of bed, and went back to bed, and got out of bed, and went back to bed...you get the point. So, by the time I got her settled back into bed and nice and cozy, I had lost my almost to sleepness. (I know it doesn't quite make sense, but I think you understand)
So, here I am, with the other 5 members of my family sound asleep, all by myself. It's kind of nice really, the house is rarely quiet with 4 young children running around. And if quiet does happen, it's usually a sign that someone is doing something that they aren't supposed to be doing, so I had better go and check on them. Thankfully not the case right now.
Someone once told me that when you can't sleep at night it's usually because God has something to tell you. I believe that God always has something to tell you, the problem is we are just to busy to listen. So, sometimes maybe in the quiet of the night, when the world is still and everyone is asleep, maybe it's a little easier to listen because there are less distractions.
I know what God is saying to me, the same thing that he has been talking to me about for a while. Something that I struggle with. Not because it is a bad thing, but because he is asking me to do something that is far beyond myself. But that's often what God asks of us isn't it? He asks us to do things that make us uncomfortable. He asks us to stretch ourselves and puts us into places and situations that we cannot succeed at on our own. There, in that place, in that moment, we must completely rely on him to bring us to success. Pretty awesome right? But we must be obedient to his calling, we must be obedient to what he is asking us to do in order to have that victory.
So, what do your late night conversations with God look like? What is he asking you to do that goes far beyond what you are capable of on your own? If you say nothing, then you really aren't listening to him.
It's goodnight for me. Morning comes early in my house, but I have a feeling it's going to be an amazing day!
Friday, July 26, 2013
The Recovery
It was worth it though, every minute of walking, of eating food that is completely not good for you, of driving home quickly but not too quickly while straining to stay awake, of agreeing that even though you would like to leave early to stay until the park closes. I rode rollercoasters, I love rollercoasters, but not as many as I would have liked to of. I do however draw the line at the Windseeker, see above picture. I am all for bonding with my students, but there is no way I was going on that thing.
I did do things I didn't want to do. You know those aweful buckets that go back and forth across the middle of the park? Somehow 7 of the teens talked me into getting on them. I did however keep my head low, eyes closed, and kept a tight grip on the pole in the middle. A few of the teens and I spent an hour in line for a ride that then broke down and we had to leave.
But it was fun, I had a blast, despite the fact that I felt like my head was going to explode from being stuffed up all day. And the teens had fun. They got to know each other better, they talked, laughed, took pictures, and just had a good time together. Drama was at minimum thankfully, you never know with teenagers, and no major fights errupted.
We are left with memories to smile about and stories to tell. I had lots of interesting conversations with teens, with parents, and with other youth pastors.
And today, yes today, today I am thrown back into life. Kids fighting in background as I try to get work done. A nasty cough because all of the congestion that was in my head has moved down and settled in my chest. Sore legs, because even though I'm not lazy, that was a whole lot of walking. Tired eyes because moms rarely get to sleep in, and even though my husband tried to let me, my internal clock said WAKE UP!
So, I will drink another cup of coffee, we won't talk about how many I have had today, and smile to myself because I know how important building relationships is in ministry. I will say I will go to bed early tonight, but that doesn't really ever happen, but there is always that chance that at some point this evening I will sit down on the couch and one of those sweet kids of mine will cuddle up next to me and we can take a short nap together. It doesn't happen very often anymore, but I take it when it comes. And I will remember how blessed I am to do something everyday that I absolutely love!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Long Days and Mommy Guilt
I am going to Cedar Point with the teens today. I must admit I love amusement parks. I also must admit that a certain amount of anxiety sets in as I board the roller coaster and continue to slowly click up that first big hill, one of the reasons I prefer the newer roller coasters, much much faster.
Amusement parks with teens are a lot of fun. Especially teens that have never ridden a roller coaster before. Each time we go my husband and I are usually privileged to introduce some unsuspecting teen to the wonderful world of rollercoasters. I will never forget two young junior high boys many years ago sitting right behind us in a roller coaster screaming at the top of their lungs and holding on for dear life. I couldn't help but laugh out loud the entire ride.
Amusement parks are where relationships are built. It's a different kind of teen that you get to know as you journey together from ride to ride and sometimes seem to have to wait forever weaving through the lines for a ride that is sometimes barely worth the wait. Or is it? When you have spent the time talking and laughing and getting to know students, there has even been a tear or two shed during those times in lines. It's amazing how much students are willing to open up when you have the time to just chat. Not a moment is ever wasted on those days, only the ones not taken advantage of.
Amusement park days are long days, they start early and end late. And it's tough to be the one driving home while everyone else is sleeping. But totally worth it when you see and hear them tell their parents how much fun they had. And you see the new relationships forming because just because you are best friends does not mean you like the same rides.
I have a confession as I am preparing to head out the door, pick up a couple of teens and fill my van with gas before heading to the church to start our adventure. It's days like these that are hard on the mom side of me. Could I take my kids? Sure, they would have a blast too, but spending the day with my kids at the kiddie rides and not in line with the teens means that I would miss out on all of that relationship building. I told my oldest that maybe I would let him come next year. I am sure he is tall enough for the rides, and it would be a lot of fun. But for this year I will be out of the house probably before they wake up this morning and home long after they have fallen asleep, I will kiss their heads and whisper goodnight to them before falling into my own bed into a deep deep sleep. But I also know that in the morning I will be awakened by whispers, and yells, of "where's mommy?" And lots of hugs and kisses by four sweet children who may miss me today, but it won't matter tomorrow.
And I'm sure that some day, when my kids are older, someone will be making that sacrifice for them. The sacrifice of time with their own family in order to invest in the lives of mine. A total worth it sacrifice.
I still am in awe that I get the privilege of being a youth pastor. Of spending my time pouring into the spiritual lives of some pretty amazing teenagers. Not just the ones we are investing in now, but all of the ones we have invested in before. I hope they know the impact that they have made in my life, and I love to see how God is using them and shaping them today!
Amusement parks with teens are a lot of fun. Especially teens that have never ridden a roller coaster before. Each time we go my husband and I are usually privileged to introduce some unsuspecting teen to the wonderful world of rollercoasters. I will never forget two young junior high boys many years ago sitting right behind us in a roller coaster screaming at the top of their lungs and holding on for dear life. I couldn't help but laugh out loud the entire ride.
Amusement parks are where relationships are built. It's a different kind of teen that you get to know as you journey together from ride to ride and sometimes seem to have to wait forever weaving through the lines for a ride that is sometimes barely worth the wait. Or is it? When you have spent the time talking and laughing and getting to know students, there has even been a tear or two shed during those times in lines. It's amazing how much students are willing to open up when you have the time to just chat. Not a moment is ever wasted on those days, only the ones not taken advantage of.
Amusement park days are long days, they start early and end late. And it's tough to be the one driving home while everyone else is sleeping. But totally worth it when you see and hear them tell their parents how much fun they had. And you see the new relationships forming because just because you are best friends does not mean you like the same rides.
I have a confession as I am preparing to head out the door, pick up a couple of teens and fill my van with gas before heading to the church to start our adventure. It's days like these that are hard on the mom side of me. Could I take my kids? Sure, they would have a blast too, but spending the day with my kids at the kiddie rides and not in line with the teens means that I would miss out on all of that relationship building. I told my oldest that maybe I would let him come next year. I am sure he is tall enough for the rides, and it would be a lot of fun. But for this year I will be out of the house probably before they wake up this morning and home long after they have fallen asleep, I will kiss their heads and whisper goodnight to them before falling into my own bed into a deep deep sleep. But I also know that in the morning I will be awakened by whispers, and yells, of "where's mommy?" And lots of hugs and kisses by four sweet children who may miss me today, but it won't matter tomorrow.
And I'm sure that some day, when my kids are older, someone will be making that sacrifice for them. The sacrifice of time with their own family in order to invest in the lives of mine. A total worth it sacrifice.
I still am in awe that I get the privilege of being a youth pastor. Of spending my time pouring into the spiritual lives of some pretty amazing teenagers. Not just the ones we are investing in now, but all of the ones we have invested in before. I hope they know the impact that they have made in my life, and I love to see how God is using them and shaping them today!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
What kind of title is that?
You may think that my blog title seems a little strange, or even a bit backwards, but seriously, it says a lot about me. Backwards sure, Jesus is definitely first in my life, that IS my priority, everything else falls into place after that.
Then, there is my husband and 4 amazing children. I don't know how I got so blessed with such an amazing man that I get to walk next to daily, parent with, and do ministry with. It truly is a HUGE blessing. Our kids are pretty great too, they keep me busy, but I can't imagine life without them.
I am a female in youth ministry. It is anything but a glamorous job, but it is definitely the most rewarding thing, besides being a mom, that I have ever done. But just because I am a youth pastor does not mean that I have to wear tennis shoes and t-shirts all the time. In fact, I rarely wear tennis shoes and t-shirts. I prefer heels when appropriate, or a cute pair of stylish boots in the cooler weather.
And of course my coffee. I love my coffee. I have taken to taking my own coffee and French press with me to teen events. It's always a good time for coffee, and coffee helps with any mood and in any situation.
So, just a little about me really. My ramblings about my life as a wife, a mother, and a female youth pastor. Did I fail to mention that my husband and I are co-pastors? It's a blessing and a curse on any given day. But it wouldn't have it any other way.
Then, there is my husband and 4 amazing children. I don't know how I got so blessed with such an amazing man that I get to walk next to daily, parent with, and do ministry with. It truly is a HUGE blessing. Our kids are pretty great too, they keep me busy, but I can't imagine life without them.
I am a female in youth ministry. It is anything but a glamorous job, but it is definitely the most rewarding thing, besides being a mom, that I have ever done. But just because I am a youth pastor does not mean that I have to wear tennis shoes and t-shirts all the time. In fact, I rarely wear tennis shoes and t-shirts. I prefer heels when appropriate, or a cute pair of stylish boots in the cooler weather.
And of course my coffee. I love my coffee. I have taken to taking my own coffee and French press with me to teen events. It's always a good time for coffee, and coffee helps with any mood and in any situation.
So, just a little about me really. My ramblings about my life as a wife, a mother, and a female youth pastor. Did I fail to mention that my husband and I are co-pastors? It's a blessing and a curse on any given day. But it wouldn't have it any other way.
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