I want to know what you're thinkin ...

The thing about my mind is that it never shuts off! It’s like the energizer bunny, keeps going and going … you know the story. Been thinking about things … like youth group. Wondering about what it takes for us to be the type of group that finds itself working with each other and not against. There are a lot of people that come. That’s cool. There are a lot of people who enjoy it. Cool again. But the struggle is “what next?” I don’t care if they really like it when I teach. I enjoy teaching and I want it to be enjoyable for those that are listening. I guess the words of Jesus hit home when he speaks about the wise man and the foolish man. One hears the words and does something and the other hears and continues in his way. Stupid by the way! My hope is that the words are seen not as mine but as God’s. That those who are listening are listening for what needs to change in their heart. Tiffany told me last night that when asked, her D-group said that a leader in the youth group was me. And the next leader they could think of is Tiff because she is connected to me. Serious? It seems as though somewhere the authority or position of youth pastor has taught these youth that leading only happens there. I realize that it’s not everyone who feels this way (those names mentioned in the previous post). But my mind runs with this thought: How do we help, journey, encourage a new mindset. I know the Holy Spirit does that work and we join in. Maybe it’s just a control thing for me? Maybe it’s a guy thing … “gotta fix them”. Or maybe it’s the truth that I want nothing more than for each of the youth that I meet to know of the blessing of knowing God. I just read that and it confused me. Let me try that again! I know and love Jesus and he loves me back. I hope and desire that others would hope and desire that too. And then live it out. High school and college people are fantastic. I don’t want to do something that God does … step in and tell him it’s my turn to try now. I want to love and show mercy, walk humbly, do justly, and be courageous … because this is the way I hope others would choose to live. Of course it all starts with knowing and receiving Jesus Christ. Maybe that’s it … maybe Jesus is talked about in their lives but just doesn’t lead it. Ok … that changes everything …

The beginning of the end of the beginning ...

The last time I blogged ... some little snot told me it was "cute". I don't want to blog cute! I blog "courageously". HA! And now you get to see what my mind looks like. Don't run and hide ... it won't be that scury!! (that's scary with a u). Would love your feed back, your thoughts, and most importantly ... I want you to know that this isn't a place where I have a thought, share it b/c I think it's the best and want you to think the same way! I really think a lot and this place will be where I put down the good, bad and ugly. When it gets ugly ... I'll change the names to protect the, assumed, innocent. You'll get a lot of youth group stuff, husband and family stuff and of course church stuff. So think about what you're getting yourself into!! Let's start with this ... Tuesday night was fun. Lots of high school people there and a great staff. Here's my thoughts ... I enjoyed being there but I see something happening. There is this tidal wave of change happening in some youth that I thought weren't to interested and there is absolutely no change, maybe even moving backwards, stuff happening in the youth who have been there for years. Breaking this down a bit ... there is a complaining and arguing attitude with some and a "what must I do to make this about you God?" attitude in others. I pointed out a few incredible people last night ... like Steven, Brad, Elmo, Lindsey and Savanna (hope I spelled that right). The reason I did that was because they need to have someone make a big deal about what God is doing in them!! If you can't see it them you must not be looking!! They are the ones, along with others who went unnamed (like Tyler, Robert, Bethany, Brittany) who build up and move the kingdom of God forward. I know, their high school people, but never does that mean we don't expect God to display himself in them. They are the message of our group. If others ask what our community is like, I want to point out these nerds!! As far as the others ... playing the complain game ... I love 'em. Just hoping that they don't forget that! And hoping they don't forget about the God who shows up my love with his. I'm working on loving his way! It's hard!! And that's my beginning...