Goodbye Summer '10

Tashona, Bonnie & myself at camp

I have officially been doing (paid) ministry work for 2 years now. And this past summer was the first in which I was able to begin sculpting. Not doing what others had done, not going where others want to go; but a fully functional summer youth program that fits a new style. It's been quite a ride, really.

I have now:
(1) planned and executed a mission trip
(2) literally watched teens experience God
(3) fallen in love
(4) screamed at the top of my lungs at church people, in the church building, at a church gathering
(5) established a "missional" mindset within our group
(6) and have grown closer to the One who gave me this job.

We began with camp for our 4th - 6th graders. I co-taught with Jesse on "Going, even when you may not want to." (Jonah) Nearly having kids puke on you because of the stink bait object lesson, really opened my eyes!

Uplifting, inspirational fellowship with our 7th - 12th graders at camp followed. This camp blew even me away. Who knew I would have the opportunity to form such close friends with the other leaders!? Also getting to spend the week with one of my closest friends!

Mission Trip. Rule #1: No cell phones. We conducted an extravagant VBS in New Mexico, and bonded well with the kids at the Children's Home, but there are much lessons to be learned... by me.

Our summer closed with Summer Blockbuster (our version on VBS - just way more experiential) We had less kidos this year, maybe because of the extremely late date, but nonetheless, an amazing week. I have now over came the name of "Captain Marvel" (vbs 07) and have adapted the alias "Sir Bradley." I'm okay with that.

We introduced a Summer Reading Program this year for our community elementary kids. Smashing success because of great teachers! Hot Summer Movie Nights, sporting events, end-of-summer blowout, July 4th thingy.... it's been a looong summer, so I think I'll take a break for a week then prepare for the Legacy Concert.

So here is my fear: Why did I use the word "I" so much? What if all these activities were for my glory? Could I have planned them because I wanted them, not considering the participants? If so, they were in vain. I need God present in all that I do. Without Him, my works are pointless and a waste of mine and His time. So, my prayer is:

for God to be present in ALL I do, so that what I do is for His glory.

Making an "Impact"

What a blessed week I had last week. We took a handful of kiddos to Camp Impact at OC, and I think I was uplifted just as much as they were. It was refreshing not hearing the same-o same-o vbs church songs again, but giving credit to these little minds. Singing Lord Reign In Me and Shout Hallelujah was nothing for these 370 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. But as always, nothing is as beautiful as a child's voice singing Light the Fire.

I stand to praise you, but I fall on my knees,
My spirit is willing, but my flesh is so weak.
Light the Fire in my soul.
Fan the Flame, make me whole.
Lord you know where I've been,
So light the fire in my heart again.

To some degree, I ceased to care if they knew what their singing because it sounded so moving to me.. but I believe they do. I believe their minds have matured just enough to know that Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.

And now here I sit, in the offices at Parkview Church, asking... begging God to give me the abilities to continue to impact our kids like camp did for so many. I am done worrying about small budgets and tiny classes. If it's God's desire, he's gonna make it happen.

my prayer: to make an impact internally and outward in the community

Ahh.. Fantastic Friday

What a great day to procrastinate! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and it's Friday. As I sit at my desk working on the Seniors Graduation Program, "Our King" by Tree63 is playing in the background and I can hear a baby play-date getting rowdy in the gym. Why would I not look forward to going to work? - Why would I even consider this work?

Funny thing, the seniors program was supposed to be completed Tuesday. However, all of Tuesday was spent upstairs in the Studio with our media minister. That left just enough time to begin studying for Wednesdays class... well, until the girl scouts arrived. Wednesday was a productive day. Thursday was spent designing an uplifting and edifying worship service, which did leave time to transplant the dirt in the front lawn. (oiy!)

I keep reminding myself, no matter how overwhelmed I may feel with non-job related duties, everything we do, we do for the Lord. And by gosh, I'm going to do it with all my might! If my church famiy needs me to shovel dirt to fill holes, then that's going to be the best dirt-shovelin' they've ever seen.

And, ya know, regardless of the weather, the Son is always shining! (how cliché, but true)

my prayer: may the life that I pursue, come from a hunger for the truth