God and His blessings.
Wow.
I've had a few interesting experiences lately. As I've said before, I just recently started a Jr./Sr. High School Sunday School class for girls. Let me just say...we have our good weeks, as well as our bad weeks. I'll admit that today was not one of our better days, but we live, and we learn...
Anyway...
For the last few weeks, I have also been helping some of these teens with their Teen Club Teen's Involved material. For people who aren't familiar with that, Word of Life is the program that our church uses on Sunday evenings from Preschool age all the way up through High School (basically, the same concept of AWANA, if you know what that is). The Preschool Group goes through Kindergarten, and they're the Gophers...SO CUTE! Then, there's the Olympian Club (1st-6th), and finally, Teen Club, which is Jr./Sr. High (7th-12th). The Teen Club has something called Teens Involved every year, which is a competition in which these teens can compete in things like drama, puppets, music, preaching, storytelling, creative writing, etc. There are three different rounds...Areas, Regionals, and Nationals. Basically, the top teens then qualify to go to the next round. However, we've really been trying to get them to understand the reasons BEHIND these competitions...it's not a performance thing...and not something that they do to build their own egos...but it's something that is helping them to prepare to serve God.
I remember competing in Teens Involved (T.I.) when I was in Jr High (as I moved to WA before competition my Freshman Year), as well as my brother before me....and it was a lot higher of a level of competition. As I told these kids, our Area competition was about 3-4 times the size of their Regionals...crazy.... But at any cost, especially toward competition time, we would get SO SICK of practicing. We actually started practicing a lot earlier in the year than these guys, but still...towards the end, you're practicing, practicing, practicing....and that includes ALL-DAY practices to make sure you get it JUST RIGHT. So attitude adjustments can be necessary. These guys are no exception. lol Good kids, but still...typical teenagers. Yet...you try to remind them that it's not for them...it's not for their leaders...it's for God. They're using their talents and abilities FOR HIM. It's not about going on to the next round of competition...that means nothing. It's learning to serve Him and reach others for His name.
Sometimes, you never know if you're getting through...
But then again, sometimes, things happen to reassure you that maybe...just maybe...you really are reaching them.
Last Sunday night, they were to perform their material in front of the church, as that is a requirement for competition (which took place yesterday). It was another ALL-DAY practice, and you could tell that these guys were just ready for the competition to finally get here. I shared my testimony with them, as I had felt led to do, and it was a blessing that they were actually listening...not just hearing, but listening. Later that night, they did their "thang" in front of the church, and they did a glorious job. However, the best part of the evening was these teenagers' responses at the end of the night. The invitational had to have lasted about 15 minutes. Some of these kids come from really tough homes...some of them have been jaded from growing up in the church...but they truly ministered to themselves and opened up to the Holy Spirit. It was utterly amazing to witness these kids...hearts broken for the Lord. I hope people can truly understand that these teens and younger kiddos ARE the future of the church. I realize my own shortcomings and have every desire that these kids will do a better job that I did...and I pray for the wisdom and guidance to *hopefully* help them along the way...
As I told those of them that were in my class this morning, though...I cautioned them to be leery of emotional responses. It's awesome that a connection was made, but I urged them to make sure that's not just something that happens on a Sunday night, and then their lives fail to change the next day....it's a constant process, but my prayer is that they continue to grow in His will.
As one of my favorite songs from college goes..."You are good all the time! All the time, You are good!" So, so true!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Fresh Start!
Well, hello there, 2010!!! Yes, I know 2010 has been around for the last month, but I clearly haven't been. Any good excuses? Nope. But it's my goal to fix it! We shall see.
I have a new project that I am in the midst of, and it's exciting and scarily challenging at the same time. I've been teaching a Sunday School class of approximately 4th-6th Graders for the last two years...which then went to 4th-7th Graders, beginning last year. I go to a small church, so it's hit or miss on the ages of kids who attend. Mostly, it has been 6th/7th Graders.
Well...it's been on my heart for some time to move from the younger age to combining and having a 7th-12th Grade group of girls. I had been praying about it for quite some time, and due to some events of the past few weeks, the need was also seen by other church leaders. ERGO, beginning this Sunday, I now have a class full of 7th-12th grade girlies. I love the ones that I've had since they were in 5th Grade (now 7th), and it's my heart's desire that they come to know God better and give their lives totally to Him. SO...I'm not SUPER DUPER nervous about the class, itself...but I just want them to walk away with something each week. Like I've told them over the past few years, if they're not learning anything, then I'm not doing MY job...and they deserve someone who is going to be able to ignite that change.
SO...keep your fingers crossed and your prayers going for me. I'm super excited...but praying that I can be the person that they need....
Psalm 138:8....The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me...
I have a new project that I am in the midst of, and it's exciting and scarily challenging at the same time. I've been teaching a Sunday School class of approximately 4th-6th Graders for the last two years...which then went to 4th-7th Graders, beginning last year. I go to a small church, so it's hit or miss on the ages of kids who attend. Mostly, it has been 6th/7th Graders.
Well...it's been on my heart for some time to move from the younger age to combining and having a 7th-12th Grade group of girls. I had been praying about it for quite some time, and due to some events of the past few weeks, the need was also seen by other church leaders. ERGO, beginning this Sunday, I now have a class full of 7th-12th grade girlies. I love the ones that I've had since they were in 5th Grade (now 7th), and it's my heart's desire that they come to know God better and give their lives totally to Him. SO...I'm not SUPER DUPER nervous about the class, itself...but I just want them to walk away with something each week. Like I've told them over the past few years, if they're not learning anything, then I'm not doing MY job...and they deserve someone who is going to be able to ignite that change.
SO...keep your fingers crossed and your prayers going for me. I'm super excited...but praying that I can be the person that they need....
Psalm 138:8....The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A Hesitant Promise....ok, ok...no promises....
Goal for this year?
Get out of that bloggy funk.
Come February.
No, it's not procrastination...
It's getting the juices flowing...
Be prepared...
<3
Get out of that bloggy funk.
Come February.
No, it's not procrastination...
It's getting the juices flowing...
Be prepared...
<3
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Instant Pudding
Gotcha' by the title, huh? j/k ;) There's a point to it...I promise!
Our church had Revival services two weeks ago. Which caused us to be busy-busy-busy. It went from Sunday morning service through Thursday night. Now, let me explain....I was not raised in churches that have annual/semi-annual revivals. My understanding is that it's a lot more dominant in the South (though I'm not saying they only exist there either).
Now with these revivals down here in good, old South Kackilackie....one thing I am not a big fan of, especially...the SCREAMING. I understand when preachers get excited; really, I do. My dad's been known to raise his voice when he gets excited about a certain subject matter...but it's due to excitement/emphasis. HOWEVER, I am NOT a big fan of screaming/yelling just for the sake of it. So it's something I've had to get used to...especially at these services.
However, on the plus side, this last guy was really, really good. I liked him a lot. Now...on to the pudding comment. One of the things he stated was that we are basically an "instant pudding society." We want things NOW. We don't like waiting. We like to create little shortcuts here and there, just to rid ourselves of the longer process. And if we're not careful, we take that element over into our spiritual lives. So true! I've been guilty of it myself. Ok, so I want to deepen my relationship with Christ. Awesome. BUT...it takes time. Time and effort. There are no shortcuts, and WORK is involved. If you want to have the real deal, there are no substitutes. It's a nice thing to remind ourselves of...at least, in MY humble opinion.
Short post, I know....but hopefully, it's quality and not quantity...
Werd.
Our church had Revival services two weeks ago. Which caused us to be busy-busy-busy. It went from Sunday morning service through Thursday night. Now, let me explain....I was not raised in churches that have annual/semi-annual revivals. My understanding is that it's a lot more dominant in the South (though I'm not saying they only exist there either).
Now with these revivals down here in good, old South Kackilackie....one thing I am not a big fan of, especially...the SCREAMING. I understand when preachers get excited; really, I do. My dad's been known to raise his voice when he gets excited about a certain subject matter...but it's due to excitement/emphasis. HOWEVER, I am NOT a big fan of screaming/yelling just for the sake of it. So it's something I've had to get used to...especially at these services.
However, on the plus side, this last guy was really, really good. I liked him a lot. Now...on to the pudding comment. One of the things he stated was that we are basically an "instant pudding society." We want things NOW. We don't like waiting. We like to create little shortcuts here and there, just to rid ourselves of the longer process. And if we're not careful, we take that element over into our spiritual lives. So true! I've been guilty of it myself. Ok, so I want to deepen my relationship with Christ. Awesome. BUT...it takes time. Time and effort. There are no shortcuts, and WORK is involved. If you want to have the real deal, there are no substitutes. It's a nice thing to remind ourselves of...at least, in MY humble opinion.
Short post, I know....but hopefully, it's quality and not quantity...
Werd.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
In the Beginning...
I created this blog a few weeks ago, yet it's remained empty. Why, you ask? Well, because I'm a slacker. But it's my goal to become better about it. Mind you, it's a goal. ;) And I'm a work in progress...BIG TIME.
Anywho...if you want lightheartedness and funny-ha-ha's, you should probably book it over to my other blog: http://justanotherpiecetothepuzzle.blogspot.com/
This one is of a more "serious" nature, though anyone that knows me also knows that I'm a fairly lighthearted individual, so it won't be too intense. I don't guarantee profundity, but I do guarantee honesty. Agree or disagree--It's your choice :) But for the most part, it'll just give you a little peek into my brain and heart! (So enter at your own risk!) <3
At any cost, I've been pondering over the last few days what I wanted to do with my first post. Do I go uber-serious? Do I go profound? Do I crack everyone up? Do I go rage'ish? Or do I go sappy? So many choices....yet this is what I have come up with...
Most people that know me (or have known me for a good amount of time, at least) know that I'm a music freak. Music has played a pivotal part of my existence. I'm always singing, humming, or thinking of song lyrics. I started singing in church when I was 7...and not to brag or anything, but I was also one of the most admired singers at HCA from 4th-9th grade (ok, so there were, like 40 kids there in a good year...so what? lol)...and when I was in 4th grade, I was even part of this ridiculous "quartet" of girls that traveled to different churches to sing. Apparently, I was hot potatoes, because the other girls were in 6th, 7th, and 9th grade...*chuckles* It was ridiculous...not kidding. It was one of those embarrassing experiences that I often try to forget.
And then I moved to Washington in the middle of 9th grade. *Insert Ominous music here* Color me ANGRY. lol Seriously, though...I was a miffed girl...and I was over-dramatic in that I thought my parents were ruining my life and that I would never have friends like I had in Pennsylvania. Wrong. (Don't you love how God ALWAYS proves you wrong? :) lol ) There I was in WA...this 14 year-old girl surrounded by mostly guys from the ages of 16-21...but the LOVELY thing about this group of boys was the fact that they played instruments. LOL Novel, I know...but I came from a youth group where the only instrument was a keyboard....played by a 60 year-old woman. Not inspiring. (I know now that you can be touched by ANYTHING as long as your heart is right and ready...however, I HEART praise and worship songs...no contest.)
Anywho....when they heard me sing, they decided that I should be in the worship team with them. I said "no" for a few weeks, but eventually, I succombed to their persuasion...lol. And that is what really helped me make the transition from unhappy new girl to girl with purpose who belonged. Music and that worship team is truly what helped open my heart up to God and all that He wanted to do in my life. Sure, it wasn't always sunshine and kittens....worship team had MAJOR DRAMA...if any of my WA peeps ever read this blog, they'll remember that...but it was an experience that changed my life. And I'll always be grateful to "the boys" (and a few girls) that gave me a swift kick into it :)
But anyways...back to where I was going...MUSIC is key to my life. I think that we're spoken to in a multitude of ways, but there's just something about music that reaches everyone...and in so many different ways. I'm pretty eclectic in that I like ALL kinds of music...give me a genre, and there's SOMETHING that I like...though I may not be as fond of some as others (especially screamo), I've also been known to have the most random playlists that go from classical to Top 40 to country to rap and so on....
But sometimes...there's just nothing like some good, old Christian praise and worship music. I actually went for a time back in my late teen years that I ONLY listened to Christian music, and I'll admit that it was a really good experience for me. I'm not saying that everyone needs to do that...but I must also admit that it was one of the most encouraging times of my life.
In closing, I feel that there's a good chance that this blog is going to be inundated with music and lyrics...ones that have gripped my life and heart. Here was one of my all-time faves that we sang at Liberty:
Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You
To know and follow hard after You
To grow as Your disciple in Your truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing You, my Lord
So lead me on, and I will run after You
Lead me on, and I will run after You
That's my goal. Like my blog name, my whole being has been granted "Because of His Grace." When I feel that others may have failed me, or when I may fail myself, He is always there to pick up the pieces. He is the Relentless Lover, always calling us back to Him. This world has NOTHING on our God...though there are some things I'd still love to experience on this earth, I know this is all temporary. It is because of His mercy and grace that I even exist...and in return, it is my desire to know Him to the best of my ability, seeking Him always--above any and all else. (Yes. Even above RPattz. HA! Had to throw at least SOMETHING a little bit silly in there)
And there we have it...first entry...Done.
Loves to all. Peace, and Goodnight!
Anywho...if you want lightheartedness and funny-ha-ha's, you should probably book it over to my other blog: http://justanotherpiecetothepuzzle.blogspot.com/
This one is of a more "serious" nature, though anyone that knows me also knows that I'm a fairly lighthearted individual, so it won't be too intense. I don't guarantee profundity, but I do guarantee honesty. Agree or disagree--It's your choice :) But for the most part, it'll just give you a little peek into my brain and heart! (So enter at your own risk!) <3
At any cost, I've been pondering over the last few days what I wanted to do with my first post. Do I go uber-serious? Do I go profound? Do I crack everyone up? Do I go rage'ish? Or do I go sappy? So many choices....yet this is what I have come up with...
Most people that know me (or have known me for a good amount of time, at least) know that I'm a music freak. Music has played a pivotal part of my existence. I'm always singing, humming, or thinking of song lyrics. I started singing in church when I was 7...and not to brag or anything, but I was also one of the most admired singers at HCA from 4th-9th grade (ok, so there were, like 40 kids there in a good year...so what? lol)...and when I was in 4th grade, I was even part of this ridiculous "quartet" of girls that traveled to different churches to sing. Apparently, I was hot potatoes, because the other girls were in 6th, 7th, and 9th grade...*chuckles* It was ridiculous...not kidding. It was one of those embarrassing experiences that I often try to forget.
And then I moved to Washington in the middle of 9th grade. *Insert Ominous music here* Color me ANGRY. lol Seriously, though...I was a miffed girl...and I was over-dramatic in that I thought my parents were ruining my life and that I would never have friends like I had in Pennsylvania. Wrong. (Don't you love how God ALWAYS proves you wrong? :) lol ) There I was in WA...this 14 year-old girl surrounded by mostly guys from the ages of 16-21...but the LOVELY thing about this group of boys was the fact that they played instruments. LOL Novel, I know...but I came from a youth group where the only instrument was a keyboard....played by a 60 year-old woman. Not inspiring. (I know now that you can be touched by ANYTHING as long as your heart is right and ready...however, I HEART praise and worship songs...no contest.)
Anywho....when they heard me sing, they decided that I should be in the worship team with them. I said "no" for a few weeks, but eventually, I succombed to their persuasion...lol. And that is what really helped me make the transition from unhappy new girl to girl with purpose who belonged. Music and that worship team is truly what helped open my heart up to God and all that He wanted to do in my life. Sure, it wasn't always sunshine and kittens....worship team had MAJOR DRAMA...if any of my WA peeps ever read this blog, they'll remember that...but it was an experience that changed my life. And I'll always be grateful to "the boys" (and a few girls) that gave me a swift kick into it :)
But anyways...back to where I was going...MUSIC is key to my life. I think that we're spoken to in a multitude of ways, but there's just something about music that reaches everyone...and in so many different ways. I'm pretty eclectic in that I like ALL kinds of music...give me a genre, and there's SOMETHING that I like...though I may not be as fond of some as others (especially screamo), I've also been known to have the most random playlists that go from classical to Top 40 to country to rap and so on....
But sometimes...there's just nothing like some good, old Christian praise and worship music. I actually went for a time back in my late teen years that I ONLY listened to Christian music, and I'll admit that it was a really good experience for me. I'm not saying that everyone needs to do that...but I must also admit that it was one of the most encouraging times of my life.
In closing, I feel that there's a good chance that this blog is going to be inundated with music and lyrics...ones that have gripped my life and heart. Here was one of my all-time faves that we sang at Liberty:
Give me one pure and holy passion
Give me one magnificent obsession
Give me one glorious ambition for my life
To know and follow hard after You
To know and follow hard after You
To grow as Your disciple in Your truth
This world is empty, pale, and poor
Compared to knowing You, my Lord
So lead me on, and I will run after You
Lead me on, and I will run after You
That's my goal. Like my blog name, my whole being has been granted "Because of His Grace." When I feel that others may have failed me, or when I may fail myself, He is always there to pick up the pieces. He is the Relentless Lover, always calling us back to Him. This world has NOTHING on our God...though there are some things I'd still love to experience on this earth, I know this is all temporary. It is because of His mercy and grace that I even exist...and in return, it is my desire to know Him to the best of my ability, seeking Him always--above any and all else. (Yes. Even above RPattz. HA! Had to throw at least SOMETHING a little bit silly in there)
And there we have it...first entry...Done.
Loves to all. Peace, and Goodnight!
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