Another snow day! Come June I may be regretting these- but they do have a way of falling in a needed spot.
So much is going on- it is nice to have a day to catch my breath. Last week, I was sick with some type of flu bug. I didn't leave my bed for two days (or eat for that matter- which does wonders for the figure). Once the fever broke and the foggy congestion started to clear, I was able to get back into the swing of things- but we lost a bit of time. I missed two days of work and I haven't been able to get back into things since being back. I'm discovering that although I love my job- it is a tough job and most days I wonder if I'm doing a lot right. We have a new boss who is bringing a lot of good changes- but I feel overwhelmed most of the time. So many i's to dot and t's to cross. Seventy-six days to summer break but who's counting???
Teens Involved is tomorrow. The youth have been working hard on music, puppets and drama and it is always a great day for them. I'm praying they have good attitudes and work well as teams. Satan has been seeking to discourage them in the last few weeks. God brings great teachable moments along- they aren't always comfortable for the teens or us- but I pray that we all gain what He wants us to learn through them.
The next big event is our Ministry Fair on 3/8. We have about 20 different ministries coming in to present to our youth. We will have time for the teens to get information about service opportunties and to talk in a small group setting with the presenters. We'll end the evening with a youth rally including music/drama/media and our speaker. It is always exciting to see how events like this come together and I'm praying we have a great showing of youth (100) and it is an encouragment to all involved! I've gotten a lot done for the event but there is still a bit to fine-tune and organize.
Then- April hits and I head to New Orleans for a week with a team of girls from school. We still need to raise about 2500$ to pay for the expenses. I'm excited about the trip (a little bummed that I'm losing my entire vacation)- but I know this will be a great experience.
I still haven't made a firm decision about Germany this summer. I think I'll do it- but have been holding off making a decision- not because I don't want to, just because I've had so many other things on my mind.
Overall- things are going well. Actually, some things are going so well I wonder when the tide will turn. Other things- just are. There is always that nagging question "is this it?". I feel like I was made for more and it frustrates me that the things I really want to put my attention to, I can't because of responsibilities like- a job. I praise God for the opportunties I have to share Him at work and I know this season has a purpose. But sometimes it's hard to be content in the waiting.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
This was the first weekend in a bit that I was able to truly stop for a bit. It felt good yesterday- though I was a wee bit grumpy to hear my cell ring before 8am- WHO could be calling on a Saturday morning???? Just kidding Rob!
The last few weeks have been so full. Work has been very busy- almost to the point of overwhelming. One day- I thought I was going to breakdown. I was so behind and couldn't get my head above water. Katie was so wonderful to stay late with me and help me wrap up some important to-dos. What a blessing her friendship is. We spent some time together yesterday and it is always enjoyable to hear what God is doing in and through her. She challenges me to be faithful and a bold witness- I fail so often. I appreciate her wisdom and insight. Friday night was great too as I got to catch up with Bek (and enjoy the most delicous steaks ever!- plus new shoes at TJ Maxx to boot!)
Today was a full day with the youth. We are gearing up for Teens Involved and had a number of practices planned. The teens are working hard and really doing a nice job. I love to see them getting excited and involved. Plus- it is fun to hang out with them. They are so hilarious!
Speaking of- last weekend was Snow Camp. We had an adventerous drive up including some bad weather and a spin out on the highway - I won't tell you WHO did that???
The weekend was fantastic. The kids enjoyed each other and that was pretty cool. They had awesome counselors who answered all their questions. It was neat to see God working and challenging many of them. It was especially exciting to see our unsaved kids really questioning and seeking. One said to me, "I know that I need to accept Christ." Another said they believed but were not ready to surrender to the Lord yet. Pray for these kids- they are so close to making a decision for Christ. It was exciting to see our teens witnessing to them and being a light- and to see our kids really looking out for one another. Most of our kids had never gone to Snow Camp before and the more experienced kids took them under their wings to help them out. I walked away truly blessed- especially when the counselors complimented our youth and leaders. It made me smile to think back over the hard work that we've put in the last 1.5 years. I felt like this weekend brought me closer to a number of the kids too.
Enjoy a few pics and video of our kids-
The last few weeks have been so full. Work has been very busy- almost to the point of overwhelming. One day- I thought I was going to breakdown. I was so behind and couldn't get my head above water. Katie was so wonderful to stay late with me and help me wrap up some important to-dos. What a blessing her friendship is. We spent some time together yesterday and it is always enjoyable to hear what God is doing in and through her. She challenges me to be faithful and a bold witness- I fail so often. I appreciate her wisdom and insight. Friday night was great too as I got to catch up with Bek (and enjoy the most delicous steaks ever!- plus new shoes at TJ Maxx to boot!)
Today was a full day with the youth. We are gearing up for Teens Involved and had a number of practices planned. The teens are working hard and really doing a nice job. I love to see them getting excited and involved. Plus- it is fun to hang out with them. They are so hilarious!
Speaking of- last weekend was Snow Camp. We had an adventerous drive up including some bad weather and a spin out on the highway - I won't tell you WHO did that???
The weekend was fantastic. The kids enjoyed each other and that was pretty cool. They had awesome counselors who answered all their questions. It was neat to see God working and challenging many of them. It was especially exciting to see our unsaved kids really questioning and seeking. One said to me, "I know that I need to accept Christ." Another said they believed but were not ready to surrender to the Lord yet. Pray for these kids- they are so close to making a decision for Christ. It was exciting to see our teens witnessing to them and being a light- and to see our kids really looking out for one another. Most of our kids had never gone to Snow Camp before and the more experienced kids took them under their wings to help them out. I walked away truly blessed- especially when the counselors complimented our youth and leaders. It made me smile to think back over the hard work that we've put in the last 1.5 years. I felt like this weekend brought me closer to a number of the kids too.
Enjoy a few pics and video of our kids-
Sunday, January 13, 2008
There is threat of a snow day tomorrow- yippee!
I should be heading to bed, just in case- but an update is in order.
Hmmm- where to begin?
School: Is crazy!!! We are in the midst of many changes and it is challenging. Some curve balls have been thrown lately, and I'm praying I come out as gold. The good news is that I have moved in to my very own classroom finally! It is such a blessing. Slowly I'm making it home- and I look forward to decorating in the next two weeks. My kids are happy to have a place to call their own- where it is "just us". I'm back on the first floor in the throws of activity- which I enjoy!
Youth: Is crazy too!! We have been busy! Last weekend we took the kids to the soup kitchen- they had a good time and were a blessing to many. In the evening, we took them to a concert which they all enjoyed. Youth group is growing- we had 34 on Wednesday with 5 new kiddos!!! Is is overwhelming- but I pray we have wisdom and know God will supply all we need. We are seeing exciting things happening- excellent questions, teens stepping up in ministry and also many developing godly habits. One joy is that I get to bring a girl home every week and we get to have some 1 on 1 time. Pray I have wisdom as I disciple her. We are taking 21 to snow camp- which is challenging but exciting! We are also in the midst of Teens Involved Preparation- which is fun and I love seeing the teens step out! Today- I was reminded again of how much I truly love these teens. They are a blessing and joy! The big project I'm working on now is a Ministry Fair for March- we are hosting area youth groups and inviting a variety of presenters to come and share their work. It is a huge undertaking- pray it all comes together!!
Life in general: We had a marvelous spa day last Sunday- it was so good to be pampered. I enjoyed the day with friends and we laughed so much. The investment is well worth it. This week is busy between planning meetings and a HOPE council meeting. Pray we have wisdom.
The Lord is continuing to challenge me- We've been reading in Matthew for our Quiet Time. I've been reminded that Christ could heal with just a simple touch or word. Nothing is too hard for him. He can change hearts- He can orchestrate His plans through any situation- through any amount of confusion or failure on our part. He can change the hardest hearts- He can heal the brokenness.
One song that I'm teaching the teens is All I Need by Bethany Dillon. It has been a challenge to me in recent weeks- what am I relying on? myself? others? He is our rock- our fortress- our protector- our comforter. He is All I Need!
When the day is done
And there's no one else around
While I'm lying here in bed
You're in my heart, You're in my head
You're all I need, You're all I need
There are a million voices
Calling out my name
But You're the One I want to hear
So make the others disappear
You are all I need when I'm surrounded
You are all I need if I'm by myself
You fill me when I'm empty
There is nothing else
You're all I need
When the morning comes
And Your mercy is renewed
There's a fire in my bones
I'm not afraid to go alone
You're all I need, You're all I need
The sun on my face
I hear You whisper loud
You're still the God that opens seas
Every flower, even me
You're all I need, You're all I need
I'm drawn to everything that You do
Nothing compares with You
Love
Elisabeth
I should be heading to bed, just in case- but an update is in order.
Hmmm- where to begin?
School: Is crazy!!! We are in the midst of many changes and it is challenging. Some curve balls have been thrown lately, and I'm praying I come out as gold. The good news is that I have moved in to my very own classroom finally! It is such a blessing. Slowly I'm making it home- and I look forward to decorating in the next two weeks. My kids are happy to have a place to call their own- where it is "just us". I'm back on the first floor in the throws of activity- which I enjoy!
Youth: Is crazy too!! We have been busy! Last weekend we took the kids to the soup kitchen- they had a good time and were a blessing to many. In the evening, we took them to a concert which they all enjoyed. Youth group is growing- we had 34 on Wednesday with 5 new kiddos!!! Is is overwhelming- but I pray we have wisdom and know God will supply all we need. We are seeing exciting things happening- excellent questions, teens stepping up in ministry and also many developing godly habits. One joy is that I get to bring a girl home every week and we get to have some 1 on 1 time. Pray I have wisdom as I disciple her. We are taking 21 to snow camp- which is challenging but exciting! We are also in the midst of Teens Involved Preparation- which is fun and I love seeing the teens step out! Today- I was reminded again of how much I truly love these teens. They are a blessing and joy! The big project I'm working on now is a Ministry Fair for March- we are hosting area youth groups and inviting a variety of presenters to come and share their work. It is a huge undertaking- pray it all comes together!!
Life in general: We had a marvelous spa day last Sunday- it was so good to be pampered. I enjoyed the day with friends and we laughed so much. The investment is well worth it. This week is busy between planning meetings and a HOPE council meeting. Pray we have wisdom.
The Lord is continuing to challenge me- We've been reading in Matthew for our Quiet Time. I've been reminded that Christ could heal with just a simple touch or word. Nothing is too hard for him. He can change hearts- He can orchestrate His plans through any situation- through any amount of confusion or failure on our part. He can change the hardest hearts- He can heal the brokenness.
One song that I'm teaching the teens is All I Need by Bethany Dillon. It has been a challenge to me in recent weeks- what am I relying on? myself? others? He is our rock- our fortress- our protector- our comforter. He is All I Need!
When the day is done
And there's no one else around
While I'm lying here in bed
You're in my heart, You're in my head
You're all I need, You're all I need
There are a million voices
Calling out my name
But You're the One I want to hear
So make the others disappear
You are all I need when I'm surrounded
You are all I need if I'm by myself
You fill me when I'm empty
There is nothing else
You're all I need
When the morning comes
And Your mercy is renewed
There's a fire in my bones
I'm not afraid to go alone
You're all I need, You're all I need
The sun on my face
I hear You whisper loud
You're still the God that opens seas
Every flower, even me
You're all I need, You're all I need
I'm drawn to everything that You do
Nothing compares with You
Love
Elisabeth
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
First Post of 2008!
A New Year! I love looking at a fresh, clean calendar and imagining how the days and months will unfold. Slowly, the little boxes will become full of plans and possibilities. With anticipation, I wait for specific days- a celebration, an adventure, reconnecting with friends, the comfort that on certain days I have a standing date (the youth....don't get your hopes up!). Isn't it fun to look back at a filled-in calendar (or better yet a journal) and see how the events unfolded and turned out.
For a few years now, I've made a point to set goals for the coming year. Not one for resolutions, setting goals seem more attainable and I'm motivated to work toward them. Some of my goals are broad (discipleship ministry, marriage/motherhood) while others are quite specific (write a book for preacher's kids, take a photography course, travel to Colombia). Each New Year's, I take some time to sit and reflect on each goal- what I've done to work toward that goal or to revamp the goal as God directs me. Early this morning- around 2am I guess- I sat on my bed and did just that. It was exciting to record progress in certain areas and to be challenged to regain the momentum in other areas. This accountability is good for me- it keeps me purposeful and heading in a good direction.
Below is a familiar passage about God's plan for us- but catch it these two versions. Doesn't that just excite you! In talking with my friend Carrie on Sunday- how cool was it to be reminded that our God desires good things for us- and has amazing plans in store for us. For me. He has amazing plans in store for me. When I reflect on some of the amazing people He has brought into my life and the incredible opportunities I have- and the tremendous ministry that I get to be involved in- HOW MUCH MORE is to come! How humbling- that He would choose me.
Jeremiah 29: 10-14 The Message
This is God's Word on the subject: "... and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed. God's Decree. I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you—God's Decree—bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it."
New Living Translation
"This is what the Lord says: ... For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you, says the Lord."
More to See- Hillsong
Well I know that I may have had
My share of failing and falling
But I have come to understand
One thing remains
By all He’s done
I have been made holy
Worthy of serving the One
The One who wrote eternity
So deep in my heart
Open your eyes and see
The wonder of a life
So wonderfully free
Lift up your head believe
There is more
There’s so much more to see
You remind me still
Of the hope and promise
Daring my heart to be brave
And all the while You strengthen me
So deep in my heart
His mercies are new every morning
His mercies are new every day
His mercies are new every morning
Beautifully new every day
His mercies are new every year!
Have a Joyous New Year!
Always~
Elisabeth
For a few years now, I've made a point to set goals for the coming year. Not one for resolutions, setting goals seem more attainable and I'm motivated to work toward them. Some of my goals are broad (discipleship ministry, marriage/motherhood) while others are quite specific (write a book for preacher's kids, take a photography course, travel to Colombia). Each New Year's, I take some time to sit and reflect on each goal- what I've done to work toward that goal or to revamp the goal as God directs me. Early this morning- around 2am I guess- I sat on my bed and did just that. It was exciting to record progress in certain areas and to be challenged to regain the momentum in other areas. This accountability is good for me- it keeps me purposeful and heading in a good direction.
Below is a familiar passage about God's plan for us- but catch it these two versions. Doesn't that just excite you! In talking with my friend Carrie on Sunday- how cool was it to be reminded that our God desires good things for us- and has amazing plans in store for us. For me. He has amazing plans in store for me. When I reflect on some of the amazing people He has brought into my life and the incredible opportunities I have- and the tremendous ministry that I get to be involved in- HOW MUCH MORE is to come! How humbling- that He would choose me.
Jeremiah 29: 10-14 The Message
This is God's Word on the subject: "... and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed. God's Decree. I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you—God's Decree—bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it."
New Living Translation
"This is what the Lord says: ... For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you, says the Lord."
More to See- Hillsong
Well I know that I may have had
My share of failing and falling
But I have come to understand
One thing remains
By all He’s done
I have been made holy
Worthy of serving the One
The One who wrote eternity
So deep in my heart
Open your eyes and see
The wonder of a life
So wonderfully free
Lift up your head believe
There is more
There’s so much more to see
You remind me still
Of the hope and promise
Daring my heart to be brave
And all the while You strengthen me
So deep in my heart
His mercies are new every morning
His mercies are new every day
His mercies are new every morning
Beautifully new every day
His mercies are new every year!
Have a Joyous New Year!
Always~
Elisabeth
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