So many things happen on a daily basis that if you are not careful you here those voices and forget to here the voice of God. I've been there lately to much for my liking. It seems like time, people, and the whole world are spinning around and I'm trying my best to be still. I know be still and know that He is God or be anxious for nothing. Of course I should cast my cares on Him because He cares but really folks. If it were that easy most of the world would not be struggling and we would all live in a perfect place. You and I both know that is not so.
It seems like our brain knows what to do and our hearts should follow but it is not always that easy. We are all human and our emotions play a huge part of how we feel. I have been in ministry for over 12 years and I can honestly say I thought once I made that commitment every thing would fall in place. That was me being naive. I guess you know the answer, that didn't happen. Those of you in ministry know that most of your real hurts in life come from those you serve. Those cut the deepest.
It is important to remember your not in this alone. God is with you and He is faithful. Joy does come in the morning and the darkness turns to light if you let it.
I can honestly say I haven't felt much joy lately and things have been stressful and confusing. I have often asked God why am I here and what is my purpose. I have really felt I don't fit and why did you bring us here? I absolutely love the teens we minister to but there are other contributing factors that make it difficult and stressful. I am not ungrateful and I am appreciative of the opportunity to serve and lead such a great team of teens. They have been the greatest team and by far the best part of our job.
All I can say is that God has a plan. I don't know what that plan is or how I fit into it but I know He has one.
It's time to face those giants in my life and stop having a pity party. I never much liked those anyway.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
We Need A Hero!
In light of the recent massacres at Virginia Tech it led me to think, "What in the World?" What in the world is going on? How can a young man march into a major university and violently take their lives?
It is hard to comprehend that I am living in era with such hatred and anger that leads one to take the life of another. It angers me that VT has lost it's innocence at the hands of a selfish murder. It angers me that mothers and fathers will go to bed tonight and know that their loved ones are gone. I can't tell you how much it angers me and how I hurt for those parents to be robbed of so many precious memories, weddings , graduations, and grandchildren just to name a few. But nothing angers me more than to know that as a nation and a church we do nothing.
Yes I mean nothing. It is no coincidence that the moral bankruptcy of our nation is tied into the time the bible was taken out of our schools. It no coincidence that we went completely bankrupt when we as church stood by silently. We have no one to blame but ourselves. We pick each other apart and flex our muscle as a church to prove we are better than others but are we really? We are arrogant in our thinking. We are so busy with our bravado and our building programs to impress those that come through our doors. Jesus didn't need a building He went to them!!!!!!! He didn't say build it and they will come He said go into the streets and the byways. He said feed my children. I am grateful for what we have, but in the grand scheme of eternity, if we aren't reaching them it does not matter how pretty it is.
If we as a church stood our ground and voiced our concern then maybe just maybe we can make a difference. I support missions and respect the work and the role a missionary has in the local church. What I don't get is how we support so many missionaries but we fail to support our own local outreach. We need to reach our communities, neighbors, and impact our schools . Nothings peeves me more than to cut out outreach events because we have no budget. We have about 32,000 teens in our community and we are only reaching a very small percentage of them. It is not lack of passion it is about the math. Our own backyards are huge mission fields and yet we send our money into foreign countries. Come on people how lame are we.
It reminds me of a youth conference we were at in Pensacola Florida in the 90's and a pastor gave a heart wrenching testimony about his youth group. He talked about a young man that was in his group, a guy that was hard to love. You know we all have one of those. He said he tried really hard but Brian was just tough and a hard case to deal with. He went on to say they planned a fun day at a theme park and Brian walked around by himself all day and no one would talk to him. Well, Brian today is know as Marilyn Manson one of the most influential shock artists this generation has ever seen. Today he is single-handedly leading thousands to hell with him and he knows it. You see, Brian has a huge hatred for the church and the hypocrisy it stood for. I can't say I blame him. While we dance around political correctness, not being offensive, and making sure we stay neutral on all issues, he and others launch an all out assault on our teens. What is wrong with us?
To the families of VT our heartfelt prayers go out to you. We are praying for you and standing firm with you. We will not forget and we will learn from this. It is our prayer to impact our generation for Christ and leave no teen behind.
It is hard to comprehend that I am living in era with such hatred and anger that leads one to take the life of another. It angers me that VT has lost it's innocence at the hands of a selfish murder. It angers me that mothers and fathers will go to bed tonight and know that their loved ones are gone. I can't tell you how much it angers me and how I hurt for those parents to be robbed of so many precious memories, weddings , graduations, and grandchildren just to name a few. But nothing angers me more than to know that as a nation and a church we do nothing.
Yes I mean nothing. It is no coincidence that the moral bankruptcy of our nation is tied into the time the bible was taken out of our schools. It no coincidence that we went completely bankrupt when we as church stood by silently. We have no one to blame but ourselves. We pick each other apart and flex our muscle as a church to prove we are better than others but are we really? We are arrogant in our thinking. We are so busy with our bravado and our building programs to impress those that come through our doors. Jesus didn't need a building He went to them!!!!!!! He didn't say build it and they will come He said go into the streets and the byways. He said feed my children. I am grateful for what we have, but in the grand scheme of eternity, if we aren't reaching them it does not matter how pretty it is.
If we as a church stood our ground and voiced our concern then maybe just maybe we can make a difference. I support missions and respect the work and the role a missionary has in the local church. What I don't get is how we support so many missionaries but we fail to support our own local outreach. We need to reach our communities, neighbors, and impact our schools . Nothings peeves me more than to cut out outreach events because we have no budget. We have about 32,000 teens in our community and we are only reaching a very small percentage of them. It is not lack of passion it is about the math. Our own backyards are huge mission fields and yet we send our money into foreign countries. Come on people how lame are we.
It reminds me of a youth conference we were at in Pensacola Florida in the 90's and a pastor gave a heart wrenching testimony about his youth group. He talked about a young man that was in his group, a guy that was hard to love. You know we all have one of those. He said he tried really hard but Brian was just tough and a hard case to deal with. He went on to say they planned a fun day at a theme park and Brian walked around by himself all day and no one would talk to him. Well, Brian today is know as Marilyn Manson one of the most influential shock artists this generation has ever seen. Today he is single-handedly leading thousands to hell with him and he knows it. You see, Brian has a huge hatred for the church and the hypocrisy it stood for. I can't say I blame him. While we dance around political correctness, not being offensive, and making sure we stay neutral on all issues, he and others launch an all out assault on our teens. What is wrong with us?
To the families of VT our heartfelt prayers go out to you. We are praying for you and standing firm with you. We will not forget and we will learn from this. It is our prayer to impact our generation for Christ and leave no teen behind.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
What a Great Night
What a great night at Elevate. It was awesome to see so many kids out on a regular Wednesday night. It blesses us as pastors when our teens run up and introduce you to there friends. How cool is that? Not only are they inviting them out to Elevate but they are introducing them to there pastors.
I don't know about you but that itself is a miracle. Like parting the Red Sea miracle. Teens are not in the habit of hanging out places that are not kosher. So to our staff and to our Volunteers, Great Job guys.
You are making it happen. It is not because of what we do but what you do every week. Thank you for the countless hours and thank you for working so hard at creating a great place for our teens to hang out and bring their friends to. I can honestly say it is a privilege and a honor to serve along your side.
We are so excited about the future and know God has a awesome plan for us. Hang on guys we are about to blow the roof off. We are going to shake and flip this town upside down and all around for Jesus. This is only the beginning a tip or a small insight to what God is about to do.
I don't know about you but that itself is a miracle. Like parting the Red Sea miracle. Teens are not in the habit of hanging out places that are not kosher. So to our staff and to our Volunteers, Great Job guys.
You are making it happen. It is not because of what we do but what you do every week. Thank you for the countless hours and thank you for working so hard at creating a great place for our teens to hang out and bring their friends to. I can honestly say it is a privilege and a honor to serve along your side.
We are so excited about the future and know God has a awesome plan for us. Hang on guys we are about to blow the roof off. We are going to shake and flip this town upside down and all around for Jesus. This is only the beginning a tip or a small insight to what God is about to do.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Well done
Just wanted to give my husband the best dad and pastor in the universe a shout out.
Honey your the best..... Your a great husband, a great dad, and a wonderful example to our teens everyday. We know how hard you work and the price we pay daily and we love you. I know you often work hard and at times feel unappreciated but we want you to know we think your awesome.
Jay everyday you give 100 percent and you lead with great character. You are a true measure of a man. Shelby still thinks of you as her hero and is never embarrassed to be seen with her stylish dad. Your still Micaiah's wrestling and math partner. Mckenzie still thinks her daddy is Superman and I still think your the sexiest man alive. On top of that you run a top notch ministry on your spare time.(what spare time)lol
As you go into this weekend know that we love you and we stand with great pride by your side. You are one of the most innovative and creative Pastors we know. Thanks for setting a great example for our girls and for setting the pace for our teens.
We love you.... Well done
Honey your the best..... Your a great husband, a great dad, and a wonderful example to our teens everyday. We know how hard you work and the price we pay daily and we love you. I know you often work hard and at times feel unappreciated but we want you to know we think your awesome.
Jay everyday you give 100 percent and you lead with great character. You are a true measure of a man. Shelby still thinks of you as her hero and is never embarrassed to be seen with her stylish dad. Your still Micaiah's wrestling and math partner. Mckenzie still thinks her daddy is Superman and I still think your the sexiest man alive. On top of that you run a top notch ministry on your spare time.(what spare time)lol
As you go into this weekend know that we love you and we stand with great pride by your side. You are one of the most innovative and creative Pastors we know. Thanks for setting a great example for our girls and for setting the pace for our teens.
We love you.... Well done
Friday, April 06, 2007
Showing Gratitude
As a pastor's wife we always strive to make our team and volunteers feel appreciated. Just thought I would share those with you. I know how it feels to work really hard towards a goal or be on a team and not feel validated. It strips your team of unity and it robs them of a sense of accomplishment. So here are a few ways to avoid the pitfall of taking your team for granted or causing dissidence among the ranks.
1. Always always say thank you no matter how small the deed say thank you.
2. Show your gratitude with a card or random gift or a just because gift.
3. Be proactive in all things instead of reactive.
4. Be available to your team. Don't live on island no one can reach.
5. Plan team building events that all can participate in. Try to keep finances and family time in mind because these things often add stress. Example. Don't plan events that cause money and make them mandatory keep family budgets in mind not every one might be able to afford this. When planning a team building event keep the whole family in mind you want to create fun not add stress to the family.
6. Never never discuss a staff issue with a church member. Actually don't ever discuss staff issues with anyone other than the staff member. Remember the Matthew principal it works.
7. Treat all your team with respect. Always remember respect is earned don't take it for granted.
8. Be a team player. Always lead by example. Your team is watching or waiting for you to set the pace.
9. Be loving and kind that will get you a long way. No one likes a dictator.
10. Once again thank you goes a long way. Your team needs to hear your affirmation. They need to know you appreciate them and what they do is valuable to your team. After all you can't achieve true success without your team no man can be a team alone it takes others buying into your vision and helping you fulfill the vision for the church.
That's my ten quick steps to showing gratitude. I know I value my team they are the best group of young people I have ever worked with. We love them and appreciate all they do but most of all we value them as people.
It is important for those around us to know we love them and respect them. Jay and I try to lead by example and earn respect. We take nothing for granted and work hard and validating what they do. I guarantee you affirmation goes a long way. I personally never want to lead as a dictator or want my staff to lead with blind submission. I want to hear their thoughts and their ideas and allow them to develop them and grow them. We are here to serve Christ and serve the needs of the church not have the church serve our needs.
Remember it's only my opinion...
1. Always always say thank you no matter how small the deed say thank you.
2. Show your gratitude with a card or random gift or a just because gift.
3. Be proactive in all things instead of reactive.
4. Be available to your team. Don't live on island no one can reach.
5. Plan team building events that all can participate in. Try to keep finances and family time in mind because these things often add stress. Example. Don't plan events that cause money and make them mandatory keep family budgets in mind not every one might be able to afford this. When planning a team building event keep the whole family in mind you want to create fun not add stress to the family.
6. Never never discuss a staff issue with a church member. Actually don't ever discuss staff issues with anyone other than the staff member. Remember the Matthew principal it works.
7. Treat all your team with respect. Always remember respect is earned don't take it for granted.
8. Be a team player. Always lead by example. Your team is watching or waiting for you to set the pace.
9. Be loving and kind that will get you a long way. No one likes a dictator.
10. Once again thank you goes a long way. Your team needs to hear your affirmation. They need to know you appreciate them and what they do is valuable to your team. After all you can't achieve true success without your team no man can be a team alone it takes others buying into your vision and helping you fulfill the vision for the church.
That's my ten quick steps to showing gratitude. I know I value my team they are the best group of young people I have ever worked with. We love them and appreciate all they do but most of all we value them as people.
It is important for those around us to know we love them and respect them. Jay and I try to lead by example and earn respect. We take nothing for granted and work hard and validating what they do. I guarantee you affirmation goes a long way. I personally never want to lead as a dictator or want my staff to lead with blind submission. I want to hear their thoughts and their ideas and allow them to develop them and grow them. We are here to serve Christ and serve the needs of the church not have the church serve our needs.
Remember it's only my opinion...
Monday, April 02, 2007
Happy Anniversary
I can't believe it has been a whole year. That's right one whole year. It has been exactly one year since we moved to Corpus to pastor what I consider the best group of teens in the area. I can hardly believe that much time has passed since we left Victoria.
To be honest when we left Victoria my girls and I were not looking forward to the move. It was especially hard on my oldest daughter because she had worked hard on building her reputation there. She was a great academic student and a great athlete with many great friends that she loved and they loved her back. Myself, I absolutely loved the school I worked at and I loved the teens I got to work with every day. It was my ideal job. I got to do the things I loved best everyday. Coaching great kids and teaching great kids so leaving was exceptional hard.
I never imagined that in less than a year everything would be ok. My girls have adjusted well and things get better each day. I still miss home and a piece of my heart will forever be with those kids but the kids here have a home in my heart as well. God gives us a huge capacity to love and if we allow Him to he can fill it with much love.
So after our first year we are happy to be here, loving ministry, and getting to know our new family. Life is good and we are grateful for the opportunity to be at a great church. We have seen great growth in a year and have build a great team around us. Alone we can achieve nothing but with help the possibilities are endless. The first year was about building a core team. It was about a worship team, leadership team, follow-up teams, greeters, and of course the teens. After all everything is about them. We have seen the ministry double in the first year and now are looking to doubling again. The goal was not set by us it was set my our team and young people. They want to see the ministry explode and they work hard at inviting their friends every week. How can you not love them?
I can't wait for the next year and the next.
To be honest when we left Victoria my girls and I were not looking forward to the move. It was especially hard on my oldest daughter because she had worked hard on building her reputation there. She was a great academic student and a great athlete with many great friends that she loved and they loved her back. Myself, I absolutely loved the school I worked at and I loved the teens I got to work with every day. It was my ideal job. I got to do the things I loved best everyday. Coaching great kids and teaching great kids so leaving was exceptional hard.
I never imagined that in less than a year everything would be ok. My girls have adjusted well and things get better each day. I still miss home and a piece of my heart will forever be with those kids but the kids here have a home in my heart as well. God gives us a huge capacity to love and if we allow Him to he can fill it with much love.
So after our first year we are happy to be here, loving ministry, and getting to know our new family. Life is good and we are grateful for the opportunity to be at a great church. We have seen great growth in a year and have build a great team around us. Alone we can achieve nothing but with help the possibilities are endless. The first year was about building a core team. It was about a worship team, leadership team, follow-up teams, greeters, and of course the teens. After all everything is about them. We have seen the ministry double in the first year and now are looking to doubling again. The goal was not set by us it was set my our team and young people. They want to see the ministry explode and they work hard at inviting their friends every week. How can you not love them?
I can't wait for the next year and the next.
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