Last youth group for a while. Hmm. It was very impacting and emotional. We did a line challenge where you cross the line if you fit into the description of what was said. Those who don't cross throw markers into the middle to show they care.
It was so incredible and heart-breaking to see these young adults cross the line over and over. To see the markers being thrown to the middle with soft music and dim lights just taking it all in. Looking at your fellow friends and seeing the pain in their faces, in the tears that ran down their cheeks, seeing the love that was spread with hugs, a hand that would rub another's back for support, to see these people break down those walls and become one with the love of God.
My heart went out to everyone tonight. My heart hurt for everyone. If I had all the markers in the world they would all be laying in the middle of the 2 lines for these people. They are worth fighting for, they are loved unconditionally with any flaws they feel they have, they are beautiful people, they have a heart for Christ. It hurts to see them look at themselves and not feel good enough: mind, body, and soul. It hurts to see that they feel they are not loved, that they don't have what it takes to be worth fighting for.
Pray for these youth and adults.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Wrapping Up only to open anew.
My internship is almost officially wrapped up, just a few more events that I am involved with. One I am very blessed and excited to be working with my brother and his youth group. However, new adventures are to come and I greatly look forward to the experiences. I plan on taking some time to travel and then I'll be starting my new job until April.
Just want to send a thank you to my family and friends for the support you have given me, I have thanked some of you personally and want to re-emphasize how blessed I am to have you in my life.
It's a road that must be traveled no matter how many bumps, cracks, or hills we hit but in the end we have the happiness of knowing that we didn't go it alone.
Just want to send a thank you to my family and friends for the support you have given me, I have thanked some of you personally and want to re-emphasize how blessed I am to have you in my life.
It's a road that must be traveled no matter how many bumps, cracks, or hills we hit but in the end we have the happiness of knowing that we didn't go it alone.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Confidence in God
Some days I feel like such an idiot. How often in the Bible does God save his people? How many times does God tell us to trust in Him and devote our lives to Him and when we do or when His people do God never fails to keep His promises? But yet even after God has revealed himself to me more than just once, I doubt over and over whether He will come through for me. And can you just imagine with me...He does!
The end of the summer is wrapping up here in Denver and I realize that all of my expectations coming into this summer was nothing more than me hoping for a plan to go the way I wanted it to go. Mid-way through the summer I started questioning God. What is my purpose here? How are you going to use me? How will you reveal yourself to me? What is up your sleeve? I wasn't frustrated, I was confused.
My amazing advisor (Micah) had told me it will probably get worse before it gets better. He was absolutely correct. I became frustrated with my devotion time planning, frustrated with the youth because I know they are so great and I have such high expectations for them, concerned with, again, what I was supposed to be in Denver for.
These past two weeks have come together truly in Gods name. He has showed me how throughout the entire summer He has revealed himself and has been there with me, the youth, and the congregation. School has started for these wonderful young adults and stress has been rising but at the same time there is an environment that has been fought with and has been building here every week which. They will continue to challenge themselves as I step away for a while and God is at work in every one of them including their surrounding support (church, family, friends).
It gives me great excitement to be able to leave and know that God is still at work in my heart and life and there is so much more to come. And I am ready to let myself be formed by Him throughout this next year. It's about prayer and our open attitude toward Him, not about what may go wrong, but about how it may be different than we expect but most likely better.
The end of the summer is wrapping up here in Denver and I realize that all of my expectations coming into this summer was nothing more than me hoping for a plan to go the way I wanted it to go. Mid-way through the summer I started questioning God. What is my purpose here? How are you going to use me? How will you reveal yourself to me? What is up your sleeve? I wasn't frustrated, I was confused.
My amazing advisor (Micah) had told me it will probably get worse before it gets better. He was absolutely correct. I became frustrated with my devotion time planning, frustrated with the youth because I know they are so great and I have such high expectations for them, concerned with, again, what I was supposed to be in Denver for.
These past two weeks have come together truly in Gods name. He has showed me how throughout the entire summer He has revealed himself and has been there with me, the youth, and the congregation. School has started for these wonderful young adults and stress has been rising but at the same time there is an environment that has been fought with and has been building here every week which. They will continue to challenge themselves as I step away for a while and God is at work in every one of them including their surrounding support (church, family, friends).
It gives me great excitement to be able to leave and know that God is still at work in my heart and life and there is so much more to come. And I am ready to let myself be formed by Him throughout this next year. It's about prayer and our open attitude toward Him, not about what may go wrong, but about how it may be different than we expect but most likely better.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Beginning to an End
The sunsets have never been more beautiful especially when you can watch them from a cliff on a mountainside with a waterfall running into a stream showing the whitest water I have ever seen.
There are somethings that just happen, we may never know why.
A girl I know has been battling with her faith. That's a great thing! I believe every person should struggle with this. She questions, doubts, does research, doubts, and questions things. How great of a moment it is to witness when God places something in her path and in her heart that helps her in her struggle to realize something. I however did not witness this moment, someone else did.
How great of a moment it is when you know that you should be dead because of something ridiculous you have done but are able to look back on it in complete awe and in complete shock because of a power that was not yours.
How great of a moment it is when you see the most beautiful flower bloom in a place surrounded by nothing but rock, a place that has no other vegetation.
How great of a moment it is when that dreadful pain and burden is the ice on the water that melts away so we can jump in and swim as the sun beats down and gives life.
How great of a moment it is when something that is about to end becomes a beginning to something better.
How great of a moment it is when the sun goes down with its beautiful sunset which leads to the beginning of a new day, a sunrise. Something that may not be expected by some people but yet they awake to a new beginning. The colors of the sky welcome them into that day. The fresh air can only be breathed in with a feeling of renewal.
How great of a moment it is when our life's end becomes the perfect beginning to new life.
How great of a moment when God gives us a beautiful beginning to any end.
There are somethings that just happen, we may never know why.
A girl I know has been battling with her faith. That's a great thing! I believe every person should struggle with this. She questions, doubts, does research, doubts, and questions things. How great of a moment it is to witness when God places something in her path and in her heart that helps her in her struggle to realize something. I however did not witness this moment, someone else did.
How great of a moment it is when you know that you should be dead because of something ridiculous you have done but are able to look back on it in complete awe and in complete shock because of a power that was not yours.
How great of a moment it is when you see the most beautiful flower bloom in a place surrounded by nothing but rock, a place that has no other vegetation.
How great of a moment it is when that dreadful pain and burden is the ice on the water that melts away so we can jump in and swim as the sun beats down and gives life.
How great of a moment it is when something that is about to end becomes a beginning to something better.
How great of a moment it is when the sun goes down with its beautiful sunset which leads to the beginning of a new day, a sunrise. Something that may not be expected by some people but yet they awake to a new beginning. The colors of the sky welcome them into that day. The fresh air can only be breathed in with a feeling of renewal.
How great of a moment it is when our life's end becomes the perfect beginning to new life.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Week 8
It feels like I have been here for only a day and at the same time a year. Each week I have been here has been completely different. There is structure to the festivities that go on but new things are happening all the time.
My womens bible study called Captivating started last week. We had an amazing group of women come in and great conversation was made. It is a bible study that focuses on the heart of a woman and the beauty that is so often covered by worldly issues and situations as well as the marvelous things God has in store for women. What is so awesome about this group is their "want" to be at the bible study and the different dynamics they all bring to the table in our discussions. It gives us the opportunity to freely share different opinions and to also support each other in different struggles.
Wednesday night youth group has been incredible as well. We hang out, then do either a competitive game or a group building activity which is tied into the devotion for the night. We have a few great college folk that have been consistent in helping and is so great because the attitude of them being interested is very contagious. The adult leaders are young and spunky and also have such an impact on everyone they meet. They will sometimes bring their young babies or kids to hang out for a while which is very neat, an awesome environment for them to be in.
Sundays have become more busy than expected. There is the bible study through James which happens between the services but we also have added a college brunch after church. We will be having a "Sharing Service" this upcoming Sunday to bring the congregation into the youth's lives and the mission trips we've been on this summer. The goal is to get the congregation more involved in the ministry that is taking place, to share with them the impact that these trips have had on the youth, and for the youth to have the opportunity to proclaim their love for the Lord and the Lord's people. It is a very impacting and emotional service.
My nights and weekends have been full of things to do but I always have time to relax with Ruth over some home-made wine, incredible Wisconsin cheese, and a good Sunday evening mystery series, and almost finished with the book Summer Barczak lent me for the summer. Ruth's dog Melchizedek is coming around now, he is almost fully potty-trained and is doing very well with commands. Last week on my way to work the tire on my bike blew but I was very blessed to get it fixed for a very good price(labor charge was not included). This week I am back on the bike starting tomorrow due to body fatigue from an incredible God given mountain climb experience Friday afternoon to Saturday night. Last night, a friend and I attempted making home-made lemon custard ice cream. We accomplished the ice cream part but the taste was horrific. We curdled the milk on accident and added the lemon juice too soon but we will try again and hopefully it will be edible. I am holding down the fort this week while everyone is at the National Youth Gathering while still having a great time with everyone who is here.
Prayer Requests: Group in New Orleans for National Youth Gathering, my brother and sister in law Ryan and Mindy Paszek (wedding anniversary is today), my Uncle Jerry who is struggling with some unknown medical issues
My womens bible study called Captivating started last week. We had an amazing group of women come in and great conversation was made. It is a bible study that focuses on the heart of a woman and the beauty that is so often covered by worldly issues and situations as well as the marvelous things God has in store for women. What is so awesome about this group is their "want" to be at the bible study and the different dynamics they all bring to the table in our discussions. It gives us the opportunity to freely share different opinions and to also support each other in different struggles.
Wednesday night youth group has been incredible as well. We hang out, then do either a competitive game or a group building activity which is tied into the devotion for the night. We have a few great college folk that have been consistent in helping and is so great because the attitude of them being interested is very contagious. The adult leaders are young and spunky and also have such an impact on everyone they meet. They will sometimes bring their young babies or kids to hang out for a while which is very neat, an awesome environment for them to be in.
Sundays have become more busy than expected. There is the bible study through James which happens between the services but we also have added a college brunch after church. We will be having a "Sharing Service" this upcoming Sunday to bring the congregation into the youth's lives and the mission trips we've been on this summer. The goal is to get the congregation more involved in the ministry that is taking place, to share with them the impact that these trips have had on the youth, and for the youth to have the opportunity to proclaim their love for the Lord and the Lord's people. It is a very impacting and emotional service.
My nights and weekends have been full of things to do but I always have time to relax with Ruth over some home-made wine, incredible Wisconsin cheese, and a good Sunday evening mystery series, and almost finished with the book Summer Barczak lent me for the summer. Ruth's dog Melchizedek is coming around now, he is almost fully potty-trained and is doing very well with commands. Last week on my way to work the tire on my bike blew but I was very blessed to get it fixed for a very good price(labor charge was not included). This week I am back on the bike starting tomorrow due to body fatigue from an incredible God given mountain climb experience Friday afternoon to Saturday night. Last night, a friend and I attempted making home-made lemon custard ice cream. We accomplished the ice cream part but the taste was horrific. We curdled the milk on accident and added the lemon juice too soon but we will try again and hopefully it will be edible. I am holding down the fort this week while everyone is at the National Youth Gathering while still having a great time with everyone who is here.
Prayer Requests: Group in New Orleans for National Youth Gathering, my brother and sister in law Ryan and Mindy Paszek (wedding anniversary is today), my Uncle Jerry who is struggling with some unknown medical issues
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Controlled Chaos
The past two weeks have been nothing but controlled chaos in the best of ways. Two weeks ago I spent in preparation to last weeks mission trip. There were many devotions to be planned out and activities (community builders) to organize. God truly had his hand on the situation.
Last week we went to the inner city of Denver, Colorado in the Sun Valley Projects. Our team was nothing but incredible, the leaders were everything and more that we needed that week, and I know that everyone who was on that trip was supposed to and was called to be there. We did some community clean up, church clean up, created our own vbs and sports camp, went to another part of the city to play basketball with the locals, and we served in anyway we felt God calling us to serve.
No doubt did we get tired both mentally and physically but without that feeling we would not have gotten the same experience. God worked in amazing ways last week in myself, as well as everyone else. We all have a story and God did something special in each of our hearts to add to that story and to mold us a little bit more. I am still in the processing stage from this past week and I feel like it might take a while but I know that God is showing me something.
A few prayer requests: Pray for the leaders and youth who attended 'Tha Myx' mission trip this past week, for the youth in the youth group who are battling many challenges, for the church congregation who is going through many changes, for me as I am listening for Gods voice in all of this.
Last week we went to the inner city of Denver, Colorado in the Sun Valley Projects. Our team was nothing but incredible, the leaders were everything and more that we needed that week, and I know that everyone who was on that trip was supposed to and was called to be there. We did some community clean up, church clean up, created our own vbs and sports camp, went to another part of the city to play basketball with the locals, and we served in anyway we felt God calling us to serve.
No doubt did we get tired both mentally and physically but without that feeling we would not have gotten the same experience. God worked in amazing ways last week in myself, as well as everyone else. We all have a story and God did something special in each of our hearts to add to that story and to mold us a little bit more. I am still in the processing stage from this past week and I feel like it might take a while but I know that God is showing me something.
A few prayer requests: Pray for the leaders and youth who attended 'Tha Myx' mission trip this past week, for the youth in the youth group who are battling many challenges, for the church congregation who is going through many changes, for me as I am listening for Gods voice in all of this.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Week 1-Getting organized
It has been a week and a day in Denver and I am loving it all. But let me back up to the drive here. The place where I broke down last year was the detour route off the highway due to construction, I found this pretty ironic and was hoping that my car wouldn't break down again on the same off ramp. The only thing I could do was laugh. There were some pretty amazing things that I saw on my way, a bus which transports people who are serving time in prison, a baby lamb running to its mother, the badlands with a guy hiking through them (it took me an hour to drive through, i wonder how long it will take to walk), I saw Mt. Rushmore from a close up angle which technically would have given me the chance to look up George Washington's nose but seeing there was only concrete that didn't happen, and I also saw the most beautiful sunset as I drove south through the Wyoming Hills.
My first Sunday back was incredible. I was able to reconnect with so many people and felt like I was back home. I jumped in right away and we have a lot in store for this summer. The elevation only kicked my butt for a day and it wasn't that terrible, I only noticed it when I went for my run. Ruth's dog is the cutest thing ever, imagine walking around the house and having this little thing constantly following you and attempting to jump on your calves and then falling, it's great. As far as youth group goes, we have a brand new room from last year and we are able to really amp up the evening with the different effects and the overall mood that the room offers. We played 2-step dodge ball and it went on for about an hour. It was everyone for themselves with 3 balls and 20-some people, just awesome.
But the really neat thing is that God has been laying a lot on my heart for this summer. He has led me to a couple different books which I read right after graduation and they really convicted me. I couldn't stop thinking about how I felt like the youth group and even adult leaders need to hear this. We have our mission trip coming up in 2 weeks to the inner city Denver area again this summer and I have been creating a series for the adults (morning devo's) and youth (afternoon devo's). It is coming together so well and I really think that this is going to be a great week for us to build community and to grow together.
It is so hard to make yourself vulnerable and that can be categorized in so many ways. Part of it results in being uncomfortable, but through that feeling I truly know that God is going to open our eyes to more of Him. The two pastors here are leaving, one took a call and the other is retiring, I feel that not only is the youth group going to be challenged but the congregation as well. This is going to be such an amazing summer, we all really are encouraging each other to know that God has a plan and we need to trust Him and let the Holy Spirit lead us all together.
My first Sunday back was incredible. I was able to reconnect with so many people and felt like I was back home. I jumped in right away and we have a lot in store for this summer. The elevation only kicked my butt for a day and it wasn't that terrible, I only noticed it when I went for my run. Ruth's dog is the cutest thing ever, imagine walking around the house and having this little thing constantly following you and attempting to jump on your calves and then falling, it's great. As far as youth group goes, we have a brand new room from last year and we are able to really amp up the evening with the different effects and the overall mood that the room offers. We played 2-step dodge ball and it went on for about an hour. It was everyone for themselves with 3 balls and 20-some people, just awesome.
But the really neat thing is that God has been laying a lot on my heart for this summer. He has led me to a couple different books which I read right after graduation and they really convicted me. I couldn't stop thinking about how I felt like the youth group and even adult leaders need to hear this. We have our mission trip coming up in 2 weeks to the inner city Denver area again this summer and I have been creating a series for the adults (morning devo's) and youth (afternoon devo's). It is coming together so well and I really think that this is going to be a great week for us to build community and to grow together.
It is so hard to make yourself vulnerable and that can be categorized in so many ways. Part of it results in being uncomfortable, but through that feeling I truly know that God is going to open our eyes to more of Him. The two pastors here are leaving, one took a call and the other is retiring, I feel that not only is the youth group going to be challenged but the congregation as well. This is going to be such an amazing summer, we all really are encouraging each other to know that God has a plan and we need to trust Him and let the Holy Spirit lead us all together.
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