Amanda

JesusPainter "By His Wounds" Glory Revealed

2011-02-27T11:22:00.000-05:00

I am

2011-02-26T10:27:00.000-05:00

In the past few years in ministry I've learned that I am a pastor - but that being a pastor also encompasses every other profession...

I am a...

Doctor - I am here to help heal wounds of the church. There are a lot of hurts that people experience because of the church - I hope that the way I live my life and the way I live through my ministry will help heal some of those hurts.

Mother - I'm called to nurture people in the faith. Called to help them figure out how they can best live into their calling

Father - I am a father in the church. Taking on the masculine role of leadership - no matter how much younger I am - people still look to me as an authority figure.

Preacher/Interpreter - I am called to interpret the Word for others. What does the Bible tell us? How should we -as Christ followers - respond to this news story? I have had training - and God has given me the ability to interpret the Scriptures in a way that brings understanding to others.

Accountant- maybe one of my least favorite titles, but something I find myself doing. I am responsible to make sure money - for whatever group I'm leading - is there.

Counselor: I'm called to listen - to hear those who are hurting, confused, or needing an ear, and to help them organize their thoughts.

Cook- people like to eat and gather together for fellowship. Someone's got to cook for these gatherings!

Event/Trip Planner - You've got to be able to figure out time, location, and activities. Plus it's fun to go different places

Innovator- I find that when I have moments of creativity - that God has given me an opportunity to dream and create in order to demonstrate the creativity of the Creator

I am also many other things! But most importantly - I am a representation of Jesus. Like all of us who profess faith in Christ. When I say I am Christian - when I say I am a minister, I know people will look to me to see what it means to be a disciple of Christ.

Fashion Advice

2011-02-12T22:05:00.001-05:00

So a few months ago- I went through a "fashion crisis"
I mean what should a young, clergy woman wear on a daily basis. The nun habit wasn't my style - so I began to worry about what I wore on a daily basis.

Well today you're looking at a transformed woman! Well not really - but somewhat! So from time to time (read ... when I really like an outfit) - I'll be posting some tips and tricks to look young and trendy but professional. And here's the first post:

My biggest suggestion for those who might need to dress a little more conservatively: Get a suit that works for you.

Now the picture you see here is a plain combo of a white top, and black suit - but it doesn't have to be!
My suit is pared with a different top weekly. You can pair a black suit up with fun shoes, or colorful and fun tops underneath!! This makes it fun and reduces the number of "cover-ups" you need to buy.

Basically all the other money you were going to spend to buy nice outfits, you can now tithe!!

*Note the same principle works with a nice black dress and colorful cardigans.

Whip My Hair.... little different

2011-02-06T16:20:00.001-05:00

A little bit different version of Willow Smith's song

(if you haven't seen Willow Smith's video - check it out here)

Enjoy it!

Pick Me!

2011-01-21T19:15:00.000-05:00

Pick Me!
Isaiah 49:1-7

When I was younger and in school – I wanted to please my teachers so bad! You might say I was a teacher’s pet. Anyway, when my teacher would ask for someone to pass out or take up papers, or run an errand to the office – my hand SHOT up, and I waved it in the air. I sat there waving my hand furiously – silently saying – “pick me!, pick me! Pick Me!! For some reason – I was sure that waving my arm would ensure that the teacher picked me. Now if I was picked to do this job – it was an honor, and a job I took seriously. After all the teacher chose me! My teacher trusted me with this important task.

Just like my teacher chose me for a special task – God chose me for a special task. And God has also chosen YOU for a special task. Our Scripture today illustrates that God does indeed choose a special task for each of us.

Isaiah 49:1-7

Listen to me, O coastlands,
pay attention, you peoples from far away!
The Lord called me before I was born,
while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.
2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me away.
3 And he said to me, ‘You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’
4 But I said, ‘I have labored in vain,
I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity;
yet surely my cause is with the Lord,
and my reward with my God.’

5 And now the Lord says,
who formed me in the womb to be his servant,
to bring Jacob back to him,
and that Israel might be gathered to him,
for I am honored in the sight of the Lord,
and my God has become my strength—
6 he says,
‘It is too light a thing that you should be my servant
to raise up the tribes of Jacob
and to restore the survivors of Israel;
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.’

7 Thus says the Lord,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
‘Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the Lord, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.’

Isaiah was chosen by God to share the news of God with everyone. The translation of the Bible – the Message paraphrases verse 6 like this: “But that’s not a big enough job for my servant – just to recover the tribes of Jacob, merely to round up the strays of Israel. I’m setting you up as a light for the nations so that my salvation becomes global!” Even before Isaiah was born – we read in verse 2 – that he was called by God to do this task! [[“The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me.”]] The same can be said of all of us!

Even before I was born – I was called Even before you were born you were called! God created us uniquely, with special gifts.

God created you with extra patience – because God knew you would be a social worker.
God created you with leadership abilities – because God knew you’d need them as CEO.
God gave you innovation – so you could use it as a business owner.
You have logistics skills as a builder to see how things fit together.
God gave you charisma as a salesman

God created you with the excitement and energy you need to inspire children, youth, and adults as you teach classes.

We were all chosen by God to be ministers of the Good News. We have been called to be a light to the nations. We have all been given special gifts that we can use so that when we work with others – they will see the light of God!

So – how are you reflecting the light and grace of God in your life? [1] How have others used their gifts given to them by God – to share the Good News of Jesus Christ?

Several years ago Sara Bazemore started a ministry in my home church called - Cannon’s Cancer Ministry. This ministry has grown. And now the ministry is a model for starting other cancer ministries in churches. God gave Sara the necessary tools to lead a team of volunteers to do great things.

SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME. This is a true story about the friendship between a homeless man and an art trader. Their collaboration on this book – and the success of the book has allowed both men to use their popularity to further advocate for the homeless. God gave both of these men the skills they needed to collaborate and work together to make a difference to those who are homeless.

I’ve got a friend who is a statistical data analyzer for biological data…and her husband is doing research on genetic diseases. Needless to say they work with scientist and people who are skeptical of the Christian faith all day long! When I asked her how she was able to live out her faith in such an environment she told me that she and her husband saw the their workplace as their mission field. God had given them the knowledge they needed so that they could work in the university environment. But God also gave them the ability to form relationships with the scientists - and to have the opportunity to speak with these logical minds about God and their faith. God called them to this specific task – before they were born!

You see – outside these walls is where the ministry really gets done!

Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ is done through you! Our denomination recognizes the importance of having both lay and ordained pastors. And our denomination also recognizes that it’s the laity who have an important calling. That calling is that they be ministers of the Gospel in whatever context they live, work or volunteer. “Every layperson is called to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)…The witness of the laity, their Christ-like examples of every-day living as well as the sharing of their own faith experiences of the Gospel, is the primary evangelistic ministry through which all people will come to know Christ”[2]

The PRIMARY evangelistic means?! This puts a different spin on how ministry is done. Notice it’s not the preaching of the pastor, or the teachings, or the programs a church has, or any amount of pastoral counseling. The most effective and the first means of evangelism is through the way you live! What you do in your every day life is one of the most important ways non-Christians come to know what Christianity is about – and who Christ is. Can you imagine that?

I went to a concert a few months ago. Outside of the arena there were people holding signs and telling us if we didn’t turn from sin we would perish forever. In that moment I didn’t want to be associated with those people who were outside of the arena. To me, these people were showing me a God that was a judgmental and angry god.

In his testimony - UGA coach Mark Richt explains that it was the former FSU Coach, Bobby Bowden, who led him to Christ. “I love Coach Bowden and am eternally grateful to him for giving me my first job in coaching and most importantly leading me to the LORD.”[3] It’s through his words and actions that Coach Bobby Bowden has shared Christ with his players. [4]

“When we offer Christ through our words and our actions, we become a means of grace – that is – we serve as instruments of God’s grace and offer the possibility of salvation, the fullness of life.”[5] What an honor and a privilege to be chosen for such a task.

When I would raise my hand and shake it so furiously and think, “pick me! Pick me!” - I did it because I knew that if my teacher chose me for this special task – it was an honor! God has chosen you for this task! It’s an honor – that God wanted YOU – to share the Good News with those around you. You have been chosen by God to be a light to the nations. God created you to live your life in such a way that whatever you do – people will see God through you.

As we close today – I want to show you a video.

The Christian group Casting Crowns produced a song a few years ago that I think explains our calling perfectly. The song “Lifesong” is about living a life that points to God. It's about living your life so that others can see God through you. The insert that was passed out to you before the service has the lyrics to the song if you’d like to read them. The video itself has different scripture verses that help illustrate the importance of living our lives in a way that illuminates God.

During the song – I encourage you to pray or think about how God is calling you to minister to others in this community and world. You can pray in your seats or you’re invited to come down front to pray. If you feel God is guiding you to something specific or want more help in discerning God’s guidance in your life – any of the pastoral staff – Richard, Merry, or myself are willing to talk to you about it.

LIFESONG VIDEO [6]

[1] The Wesley Study Bible. Pg 864: “A Light to the Nations” NRSV
[2] 2008 Book of Discipline: ¶ 126
[3] http://www.uga.edu/teamunited/testimonies/mark_richt.htm
[4] http://pages.simonandschuster.com/bobbybowdenbook
[5] The Wesley Study Bible. Pg 1347 “Offering Christ” NRSV
[6] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaia32TsPq0

Marcel the shell With Shoes On

2011-01-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

This is really cute..

MARCEL THE SHELL WITH SHOES ON from Dean Fleischer-Camp on Vimeo.

Ski Trip 2010

2011-01-16T17:00:00.001-05:00

So what did you do over Christmas Break...

Well I had Christmas - and enjoyed a little bit of the snow... then enjoyed A LOT of snow.
I along with fellow youth minister Adam Swymer, his wife and fellow counselor Jessica, and my brother Robert - took 13 young youth skiing!

One of the youth made a video timeline of our trip: here's the result:

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Db6YcB9Soqlg&h=b19ee

Special Hot Chocolate Recipe

2011-01-11T15:29:00.000-05:00

With all the cold weather - I find myself drinking a lot of hot chocolate!

Here's my recipe - how do you drink it?

boil water
put 2-4 tablespoons of hot coco mix (or a packet) into a mug
sprinkle in semi-sweet chocolate morsles

Once the water is boiling pour into your mug, stir and enjoy (it's hot! be careful!)
Be sure to add the most special ingredient - LOVE - it makes the whole thing sweet!

Highlighting: David Chapman

2011-01-10T20:00:00.002-05:00

So I met this awesome kid on the Ski Trip: David Chapman. He's an awesome snowboarder...and coincidentally also an awesome skateboarder - check out his videos on YouTube.

Check out his YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/rie194

Top Photos of 2010

2011-01-08T09:00:00.000-05:00

I love pictures.
They remind me of different times.

Here are my favorite photos of 2010

I FINALLY saw the Goo Goo Dolls in concert!

A great picture of ME!

My favorite scripture - in large print

my sweet dog Yodel

my confirmation class!

I grew this tomato!

Jack!

texting in the snow

My Sweet Baron

Youth Ministry Resources

2011-01-06T13:00:00.000-05:00

So here are several resources I've found useful - and wanted to pass them on:

Much like Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty - this video challenged me:

I think this video can be used in so many different venues (Also seen in my Top 10 Videos of 2010)

Finally a video that can help youth ministers in working with this generation of students:

Memories of 2010

2011-01-04T13:00:00.000-05:00

So each year at the end I often look back over my year and think about the things that have happened that year. Some are good - some not so good. But these are the things that will stay with me - that remind me who I am.

So this is a quick look into the memories of this past year for me (in no particular order):

Having to put Baron to sleep

Adopting Yodel

Youth's Original Amateur Hour

Xtreme Youth's Invisible Children Car Wash

Confirmation Class

Baptizing one of my friends as my first baptism

Covenant group Mission Trip (including our visit to the Fields of the Wood)

My fun Zumba Class

Confirming 7 fantastic youth into our church

Seeing Owl City, Lights, and then Goo Goo Dolls in concert

Youth Packing 200+ Haiti Health Kits

I'm back!

2011-01-02T20:39:00.000-05:00

So I'm back!

As it is customary in the church - things get busy during November and December...
But I'm back - going to try to keep up my weekly updates.

Stay tuned for some of my top 10's of 2010!

Youth Ministry Links

2010-10-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

I've recently found some great links for youth ministry. Maybe you've used them for years - or maybe you've just found them like I have! Anyway - here they are!

www.youthministry.com - this site has LOTS of great information. Two free, downloadable game books, and a weekly e-mail article you can sign up for. The weekly article is full of tips and tricks for youth ministry. This is my newest and most 'favoritist' find!

Grapple: Sunday School curriculum. (Check out the free sample through Group's free sample website. ) Grapple takes issues that middle schoolers face - and has the youth wrestle/grapple with the issues. It comes with website access for you, your teachers, and your youth. The curriculum that is provided is well written!

Geico Ringtones: Ok - so not directly related to youth ministry. But I got some AWESOME ring tones that make me laugh when people call. I needed to share this with everyone.

DevoZine: Website and magazine published for youth. Awesome and concrete devotionals.

What are your favorite links to use in ministry?

This week I learned

2010-10-18T18:00:00.001-04:00

This week I learned

* leader or control freak?

* how important the art of conversation is

* how fun friends can be

* that I still really want to learn how to ride horses

* fall is a great time of year

* slow down

* manual labor is good for the soul

* "I love people's souls, not necessarily what they do." -Finez

This Week I Learned

2010-10-05T21:51:00.000-04:00

my pride has the potential to hinder my work
I am a general "specialist" - meaning I generally know about all specialties- but I'm not a specialist in anything.
ministry is a lifestyle not a job
times are tough
god is with us
exercise always helps me focus (if only I could remember this!!)
friends are valuable

Realistic Self Talk

2010-09-15T08:12:00.004-04:00

I've realized over the past few weeks - in talking to friends who need motivation - that what I do to motivate myself and keep myself sane is "realistic self talk" I talk to myself - A LOT. But not in a bad way.

See I'm the type of person who needs motivation. I don't get a pep talk every morning - so I have to give one to myself.

Now - it's nothing like Jessica's Daily Affirmations. (Although I might try this one morning)
It's something simple - to keep my mind on the right track.

One Step at a Time
I cannot control the behaviors of others, I can only control my own behaviors.
What I believe is far more than I know.
I choose to be a happy person.
Be honest and true to myself.
God guides me.

And this poster hangs on my wall:

It's amazing what a little self talk can do, and how it helps you with perspective. One step at a time is something I constantly repeat to myself - lest I try to do too many things and get overwhelmed.

What self-talk do you use as a pep talk for the day?

This Week I Learned

2010-09-12T20:09:00.000-04:00

This week I learned

you have to laugh at yourself!
homemade strawberry preserves have an awesome appeal to them! (thanks midway umc)
I am shaped by a variety of influences
I'm more comfortable with silence than I think I am
I'm also a bit of an introvert.
we are all broken somehow
we're all a little different
but our differences are what makes us a masterpiece

2010-08-30T14:33:00.000-04:00

I hope and pray that my church and I inspire teens to be PASSIONATE about their faith! Read this Article

2010-08-28T15:35:00.001-04:00

Testing the mobile posting feature

Zumba

2010-08-28T14:23:00.003-04:00

So some of you might know - I have recently become very excited about Zumba. Zumba is a dance, exercise class. You move and dance and sweat! I absolutely love it!

In the class that I attend regularly - I am one of the youngest participants - but continually go. I joined the class hoping that it would help me meet people my age around the area. This has been unsuccessful. What has happened is I have met some wonderful ladies - who love dancing and "Zumbaing." We all get excited about working-out. Yes excited and work-out can be used in the same sentence!

When we're in class together we're all working toward the same goal. We want to be healthy - and we want to have fun. Is it weird that when I look around while we're stepping - I see smiles?!

When I am surrounded by people who are working toward the same goal - I always feel connected somehow. It truly is a Heaven Moment for me. We enjoy each others company, we have a goal, and while exercising we commune together.

Who would have thought that exercising could be a heaven moment?!

Me, Myself, and Time

2010-08-22T20:21:00.002-04:00

So I have run across a new FAVORITE song.

I think it expresses exactly where I am in my life now.

Me, Myself, and Time: Demi Lovato

*don't judge I know it's a pop princess

Hear it on YouTube

I can make the rain stop if I wanna,
Just by my attitude
I can take my laptop record a snapshot
And change your point of view

I just entered this brand new world
And I'm so openhearted
I know I've got a long way to go but I
I'm just getting started

I'm over my head, and I know it, I know it
I'm doing my best not to show it, to show it
Whatever it takes to be what I was meant to be, I'm going to try
Cause I'm living the dream and I know it, I know it
I'm trying my best not to blow it, to blow it
And I know everything will be fine
With me, myself and time.

I go where life takes me, but some days it makes me want to change my direction
Sometimes it gets lonely, but I know that it's only a matter of my perception
I just entered this brand new world
And I'm so openhearted
I know I've got a long way to go but I'm
I'm just getting started

I'm over my head, and I know it, I know it
I'm doing my best not to show it, to show it
Whatever it takes to be what I was meant to be, I'm going to try
Cause I'm living the dream and I know it, I know it
I'm trying my best not to blow it, to blow it
And I know everything will be fine
With me, myself and time.

And baby there is nothing like this moment
To just be real and let the truth be spoken
Whatevers broke I can make it unbroken
Turn the lead in my hand into something golden
Just try more love, if I just try more love then I'll find
Myself and time.

I'm over my head, and I know it, I know it
I'm doing my best not to show it, to show it
Whatever it takes to be what I was meant to be, I'm going to try

I'm over my head, and I know it, I know it
I'm doing my best not to show it, to show it
Whatever it takes to be what I was meant to be, I'm going to try
Cause I'm living the dream and I know it, I know it
I'm trying my best not to blow it, to blow it
And I know everything will be fine
With me, myself and time.

I'll find myself in time,
I know I'll find myself in time

Music makes the mood

2010-08-21T20:21:00.006-04:00

So on Sunday's I have a very specific playlist that gets me ready and prepared for worship.

This list is full of songs I sing as a prayer for the morning - and other songs that just get me pumped and going. Here's the list:

Lifesong: Casting Crowns

Get Up: Mary Mary

You are Good: Nichole Nordeman

Sing, Sing, Sing: Chris Tomlin

Here is our King: David Crowder

Run to You: Third Day

Catchafire (White Rabbit Mix): TobyMac

Come Right Out and Say It: Reliant K

The Best Thing: Reliant K

Yesterday, Today, and Forever: Vicky Beeching

Great is Your Glory: Vicky Beeching

Trust in You: Jeremy Camp

So what songs do you listen to...

Salem

2010-07-28T21:53:00.001-04:00

What an honor it is to serve at Salem Camp Meeting.

I go to sleep and wake up exhausted every day.

I spend so much time in the sun- sweating that I require two showers a day.

I eat so much chicken and fried food that I have to detox for two weeks by eating salads and light meals.

Yet I go back every year!
Why?

It's heaven.

Each year around 250+ people come together as the Church for a week. How can you be the church if you only meet once a year? Somehow the Spirit gathers us all together- a village is formed where everyone watches out for everyone. There is an outpouring of love for those in need. Youth are taken in and revered for their wisdom. Children are a blessing and celebrated and honored. Adults are sought out for their wisdom and faith.

A community of faith- not without its flaws - but continually moving onto perfection as a community. Loving and building each other up.

A glimpse of heaven, here on earth

this week i learned

2010-07-26T21:52:00.000-04:00

This week I learned...

* the power of prayer
* zumba is an addiction!
* focus is important
* friends is a funny show to watch as you're waking up
* kids are sweet
* someone to share with is important
* you gotta take the good and the bad
* god will guide you

Recommended Books

2010-06-27T22:24:00.003-04:00

I know it's been awhile since I've posted so I'm going to give you a quick post.

I want to suggest a few books that I've been reading recently. I highly recommend these books to pastors.

Turbulent Twenties: Survival Guide - Marcos Salazar

Great for young adults transitioning from academia to professional identity

This Odd and Wondrous Calling - Lillian Daniel and Martin B. Copenhaver

Stories and wisdom about beginning full time ministry

The Unofficial United Methodist Handbook for Pastors - F. Belton Joyner

Besides the Discipline - this is a great book to guide pastors as they serve God in the church.

Heaven Moments

2010-05-21T12:58:00.001-04:00

So more heaven moments:

*The love of others
*when a group "gets it" - what it means to live in community together
*The "aha" moment of a youth.
*peace

What are your heaven moments?

Millennials

2010-05-04T10:54:00.007-04:00

I was directed to this news article online.

I think the article is well written - although it only touches the surface of what it means to be a member of the Millennial generation.

If you are interested in finding out more information - check the back of the March 5th North Georgia Advocate (available for purchase through www.ngumc.

From the Advocate:

"'People in that age group have not rejected spirituality. What they've rejected is the tradition and what they perceive to be the hypocrisy of the church', says Jamie Dunham..."

I also suggest a book I read in college:

Millennials Rising by Neil Howe and William Strauss

(available on Amazon or you can borrow mine!)

Check out other information on Millennials by clicking here

Invisible Children Info

2010-05-02T14:31:00.006-04:00

Tonight I am sharing with my youth information about Invisible Children.

We're watching several short videos to explain what is happening in Northern Uganda.

(I have the Rough Cut somewhere and the Legacy Journal on the way for those who wish to borrow it)

You can read about it on the United Nations website here.

Just to give you a little background on what is called "one of the the worst tragedies of human history", watch this video:

With the help of the organization Invisible Children - light has been shed on the issue.

Night commuting has stopped - but the war still wages on.

Here is an update on what IC is doing to rescue the child soldiers and help Northern Uganda:

Over 80,000 people gathered in various cities on April 25, 2009 to raise awareness about rescuing child soldiers - here is some information

An update on The Rescue - and how you can help.

Get involved with The Legacy Scholarship Program

We advocate for these children because for 23 years their voices have virtually been unheard. It's time to encourage our politicians to stand up to Joseph Kony. We hope and pray that one day families will be reunited, that peace will come to the region, that the people of Northern Uganda will live without fear.

You can help make this a reality - write your elected officials. Go to this site: and sign a petition

Micah 6:8 says: "What does the Lord require of you? To seek justice, and love kindness, and walk humbly with your God."

The youth of my church will be looking into this further this summer. We want to put our faith into actions. These people need our help.

Check back for more updates.

this week i learned

2010-04-27T11:22:00.005-04:00

it's been awhile....

*i require a certain amount of self-care

*i love, love, love getting my nails done

*i am inspired by Jessica Schroeder's sense of fashion

*LIGHTS is one of my favorite artist's to see in concert

* rest is essential

*a good lesson doesn't magically appear - it develops

*exercise energizes me, makes me happy, and gives me a generally good outlook on life

*i should exercise more often

*ways of doing ministry vary

*these guys are awesome

Youth Minister Tidbits

2010-04-03T17:00:00.003-04:00

Youth Minister Tidbits

In this year and a half (almost 2 years) that I have been the Youth Minister and in the past 6 years as a "youth person" in general I have learned some things about youth ministry.

Hopefully these little tidbits will encourage and inspire you.

For those of you who have been/are in youth ministry - heck in ministry I'd love to hear some of the things you've learned!

*Most importantly: students need to know you love them - it may be out of your comfort zone (as it is mine) to hug or to say "I love you" but they need to know this. Ministry in general is about relationships

*Retreats are a great time for students to grow together as a group - and to learn more about you!

*Creativity can't be stressed enough. In our world today we compete with other organizations that are creative. If what we do doesn't grab their attention - something else will.

*A well rounded youth ministry (fellowship, faith, service, fun) is important. If one aspect is off - the whole ministry seems a bit wobbly.

* Don't be reactionary! I learned this the hard way. It is important in any situation to take time to breathe and think through the situation. It often serves to teach a better lesson when one thinks through it

*Don't let the one student who needs to be "fixed" take away from the whole group. If one student out of 20 is misbehaving/disrupting constantly - there are 19 others who are eager and ready to learn.

* Take time to rest! We all need to stop and take time to rejuvenate.

*Take time to grow spiritually. Just because you're teaching lessons about Jesus all the time doesn't mean you're learning and growing from those lessons.

*Did I mention that relationship is key?

This week I learned

2010-04-03T09:00:00.000-04:00

*how difficult it is to drop my dog off for training.

*that i was blessed as a teen

*some people just need to talk

*I just need to talk

*know your context

*always have a sermon in your pocket

*Holy Week is great for intentional spiritual growth

* communication is important

*some people don't possess necessary communication skills

Good Friday

2010-04-02T12:03:00.007-04:00

I have been following several friends as they "blog their way through Lent"

What an awesome (and modern day) practice.

You can see Mal's here. And Michael's here

I have been inspired today to reflect on Good Friday by my friends:

As a person deeply moved by music I have found a several songs that remind me of this day - Good Friday.

Recently Mallory shared a new music group with me: Needtobreathe

I have loved their music. Especially this song The Garden. (it starts at about 1 minute) I encourage you to to reflect on it this Good Friday.

Andrew Peterson was introduced to me in college.

Silence of God - Another good song to reflect on.

Both of these songs speak about what Jesus must have felt on this day

As we "celebrate" this Good Friday, (I quote my mom - "I know Good Friday is Good, but I don't like it.) let's remember what happened.

I imagine Jesus experienced abandonment that we all experience at times.

He experienced betrayal

Loneliness

Hopelessness

He executed because of sinful people.

He suffered

He died

He was placed in a tomb - buried.

Dead

That is Good Friday. A leader brutally executed and buried.

The End

Except for those who follow Jesus - those who believe that Jesus was in fact more than a man, we have hope that this is in-fact not the end. Now I'm not going to jump into Easter quite yet. Because we are not there. Save that for Sunday and for Easter.

We need to stop and reflect on what happened on that Good Friday.

Good Friday is the death of a leader, it is the realization that sin is still ever present. And that a man who was perfect - was placed on a cross - and died.

All because: We. Are. Imperfect. People.

I leave you now with that feeling... incomplete, uncomfortable, awkward, feeling.

The Perfect Day

2010-03-20T20:56:00.004-04:00

The perfect day:

*not having to do church errands all day.

*cleaning my house

*doing laundry

*getting the laundry ALL done

*hanging out with my dog :)

*spring weather

*finding what I need at Dollar General instead of Wal*mart

*Only getting slightly red because I sat in the sun

*laying on my living room floor finishing a sermon while the dog sleeps

This is the perfect day

this week i learned

2010-03-17T10:15:00.004-04:00

So this weekend I went to SLR (Spiritual Life Retreat) with my youth group - I learned a lot.

* how wonderful my youth group is

* how many of my youth will step up and lead if given a chance

* that I need to "breathe"

* youth counselors keep me sane and are wonderful

* often times things don't go the way you expect them to - but you have to go with the flow

* taxes are not fun

* I am blessed to work with my youth!

* my dog sings bass - not soprano!

OK-GO

2010-03-06T20:14:00.003-05:00

An amazing phsyics feat.

Enjoy

This Week I Learned

2010-02-26T09:44:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I've updated... and I'm sorry for that.
So here we go...for the past couple of weeks

this week i learned...

* there is nothing more wonderful than the love and loyalty of a dog.
* dogs are a lot like children when you have to train them
* people can do great things when they are passionate about something
* talking things out is great therapy
* shopping can also be great therapy ;o)
* warm weather excites me - and a lot of other people
* seeing my youth begin to be leaders warms my heart
* creativity may be met with resistance... just step back, regroup, and try again
* you've got to give people the opportunity to prove you wrong before you make assumptions
* perfection is how you perceive it

This Week I Learned

2010-02-05T12:23:00.002-05:00

Sometimes you just need someone to talk to
Puppies are the best playmates
Excitement is contagious
You need friends to vent to
Spring is just around the corner. Thank you General Beauregard Lee, Ph.D - the Groundhog
A good walk is important
"Jesus already died for this, so I don't have to" Gigi
Letting something slip up isn't bad - but it does have consequences.
Colleague's lift my spirit - and do wonders for my heart!

Black Magic

2010-01-26T15:01:00.004-05:00

Black Magic is a little game I like to play with my youth when we have a few minutes to pass.

The goal is for IT to correctly guess the object that the group chooses.

One person is IT and leaves the room.

The leader (usually me) chooses one person to select an object that IT must successfully guess.

Once we you choose the object - you then call IT back in.

The leader then begins pointing to objects asking IT if that object is the item.

The round ends when IT correctly guesses the item or doesn't guess the correct item.

There is a TRICK to this game!

Whoever is IT has to know that trick.

The leader cues in IT as to what the object is by using a pattern.

It doesn't matter how many objects the leader points to. When the leader is about to point to the selected object they first point to something black. By pointing to something black - this tells IT that the next item you point to is the object that the group selected.

My youth get so frustrated with this game! I've only let a few in on the secret. They try to figure out patters, watch my body language, etc. I usually remind them that the title of the game is Black Magic.

Help for Haiti

2010-01-20T07:10:00.004-05:00

If you are wondering how you can help the crisis in Haiti here are some sites that I've found or been directed to:

UMCOR - Haiti

Shaun in the City

American Red Cross

CNN: has been reporting non-stop

World Vision

Yele.org

If you have other sites you'd like to see here - leave a comment and I'll add it.

Pray for Haiti.

Ireland

2010-01-09T17:00:00.000-05:00

I recently had the privilege to travel to the beautiful Northern Ireland (with a short stop in Dublin, Ireland) in November with the wonderful Elizabeth Lobello. Here are just a few pictures of my travels.

(left to right) St. Patrick's Cathedral, The Wheel at the festival, a mural on a house in Belfast.

(left to right) On our way to London Derry, stairs from the Bogside to the wall

(left to right) my traveling mates, a castle off the north coast

Elizabeth - a fantastic traveling partner!

this week i learned

2010-01-07T12:45:00.001-05:00

* how much i love my "kids" (what I call my youth)

* when explaining a game youth will ask EVERY SINGLE "what if" question... if you let them.

* a support system through e-mail is still an important support system

* i am slowly - but surely trying to develop my sense of style

* the scent "Fresh Balsam" from Bath and Body Works is my favorite!

* sometimes you need to take a personal day

* working out is hard to get back into - but makes me feel a lot better

* i have developed a bad habit of not wanting to get out of bed in the morning

* laundry is quickly becoming the enemy

* i am a Florida Gator fan - by all means - but will occasionally cheer for another SEC team aka... Crimson Tide.

Underground Church

2010-01-05T14:15:00.006-05:00

This past Sunday I played Underground Church with my youth...

They loved it. I loved it because it required little set-up for me.

Here's how you play:

(for a group of about 30 youth - depending on your size you may need to add more policemen)

Before you start: choose a place to be the jail. (We used the sanctuary and turned on only a few lights to illuminate the jail area.) Let the student know where the jail is.

Choose 3 people to be police. Everyone else are Christians

The goal of the police is to get all the Christians into the Jail

The Christians are trying to get to the "safe house" or church.

One of the police will be an Underground Christian though. His or her goal is to secretly lead the Christians to the church.

The easiest way to determine who will be the Underground Christian is to have three slips of paper. On two slips of paper write "police" on the third slip of paper write "Underground Christian."

Let the police choose these slips at random. Make sure to tell them not to show their paper to any of the other police. If they do the Underground Christian runs the chance of being found out - meaning they can be arrested and put in jail by the regular police.

Give all the Christians about 5 minutes to hide before allowing the police to start finding them.

If a police finds a Christian they must escort them to jail. *note that I had to make a rule that Christians cannot run away from the police - they had to go without fighting.

As soon as all three police are allowed to search for the Christians - the Underground Christian must choose a location that will be considered the Church. They do this at this point in the game so that 1)the police won't know where the Church is - and 2) so the Christians don't all run to the safe-house to hide. (making the game extremely short!)

The police arrest people and take them to jail while the Underground Christian tries to get all the Christians to the Church.

Christians can "escape" from jail by being tagged by a fellow Christian. But note - if either Christian is caught by a police while trying to escape they both must go to jail.

The game is won by the police if they successfully capture all the Christians and put them in jail (or capture a percentage of them)

The game is won by the Christians if they all successfully arrive at the Church (or a certain percentage of them)

few things to note

* so that youth were not just sitting around once they found the Church and were safe - I encouraged them to free people from jail -without getting caught. (if they got caught - they had to go to jail)

* police cannot "raid" the Church. Christians are safe - as long as they are in the Church.

* the Underground Christian can be captured by the police if the police find out who it is.

*make sure you have adequate adult supervision in all areas of the church

* I locked any doors that I did not want my youth to go into.

*this game is 100% more fun if played in the dark!

have fun playing and give me your version of Underground Church

my top ten moments of 2009

2009-12-28T20:06:00.013-05:00

My top ten moments of 2009

1 graduating

(photo by Cindy Brown)

2 being commissioned in June

3 my vacation with my friends to Asheville

(which included riding a horse!!)

4. My time with my girls in January

5. The trip to Glission with my youth.

6. The professor party

7. Karen and Andy's wedding

8. Opening of the South Campus

9. Salem Campmeeting

10. IRELAND

(with Elizabeth Lobello!)

Trust

2009-12-14T17:10:00.003-05:00

I realized this past week how important trust is. To give trust and to earn it.

All because I got my hair cut.

I went in to see Christine about a year ago at Ambrosia Salon.

I found her on naturallycurly.com

I was looking for a major change in my hairstyle. I wanted my hair to be cut short.

I didn't know anything about her except that she was recommended by several people.

So I went and told her about my hair and that I wanted a short, but cute cut.

I had to put my complete trust in her! Me - who likes to be in control, had to let her do her job.

I had to give trust...

But the other side of that is that Christine did a fantastic job. She did my hair the way I asked her to - and completely earned the trust I gave her.

Christine and I go back and forth - I come in to get my hair cut because I trust what she' s done in the past. She continues to cut my hair fantastically and therefore earns my trust.

Isn't that how trust seems to work? You give trust and if the person is trustworthy - they give you a reason to trust them. You give trust until that trust is broken.

You earn trust - by being trustworthy... by giving people a reason to trust you

So there's my thoughts on trust.

this week i learned

2009-12-09T09:12:00.003-05:00

what I've learned in the past few weeks

* European fashion is amazing - i want to have that type of fashion sense

* i am not a fan of long plane rides

* jet lag is not fun to play with

* You win some ... you lose some. I'm still a Gator fan!

* My youth crack me up check out this joke they made up on their own:

Where do you put a fish whose in the army? A: In a tank!

* Christmas is a busy season - I'm not a fan of busyness

*I love the Big Bang Theory

* I thrive on a schedule - and mine is a little messed up

* I also love painting my nails during the Christmas season :o)

Honest Prayer

2009-11-17T16:32:00.004-05:00

**note: I'm trying a new format to my notes for preaching. I'm moving away from a manuscript and toward a conversational style of preaching. These notes reflect the sermon I gave concerning 1 Samuel 1:4-20.

Honest Prayer

1 Samuel 1:4-20

- What does it mean to be honest?

o Upright, fair, sincere, frank, truthful (dictionary.com)

- In this passage we see Hannah come to God with an honest prayer.

o She’s upset

o Saddened

o Bitter

- Why?

o She’s barren - what does this mean?

§ No children

§ Outcast – Peninnah

- Hannah goes before God – downcast , bitter, stubborn. This is not our image of prayer.

- Our image of prayer – is not the Biblical image.

o Our image is that we should come to God happy, and pleased

o Our image is that we have to be perfect when we come to God.

§ We must do the right things before we come to God in prayer.

- Our image is not the Biblical image:

o Biblical image is that you can come to God no matter what – speaking openly and honestly with God.

o Israelites: Exodus 2:23-25

§ After a long time the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned under their slavery, and cried out. Out of the slavery their cry for help rose up to God. ²⁴God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. ²⁵God looked upon the Israelites, and God took notice of them.

o Paul 2 Corinthians 12: 7-8

§ Therefore, to keep^* me from being too elated, a thorn was given to me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.^* ⁸Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me,

o Ultimate example: Jesus praying in the garden Luke 22:42, 44

§ ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ In his anguish he prayed more earnestly…

- My story of honest prayer when Grandma died.

o Angry à Peace

o Knowing that God cared and would answer my prayer

- Biblical image of prayer is one of pure honesty and also arrogance.

o Asking God in prayer and knowing it will be answered in God's time and in God's way.

· Story: Town in drought praying for rain – little boy shows up with an umbrella

o Boy was confident that rain would happen – he knew that the prayers would be answered.

o This is faith!

o This type of faith is what we need to have in our prayers.

- Hannah’s prayer is arrogant.

o Her prayer exemplifies the faith and insistence that God could do something and that God would do something.

- Hannah also knew would happen because of her prayer.

o She was asking for a gift of grace from God.

o God gives us this grace – and in return we are to give a gift back.

§ Hannah promised her son in service to the Lord

§ The gift from God becomes a gift returned to God v.11

· ¹¹She made this vow: ‘O Lord of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but if you will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite^* until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants,^* and no razor shall touch his head.’

o Hannah’s prayer was answered and resulted in new life.

§ Our prayers are the same - they result in new life. When we are bold enough to pray to God knowing that things can change – things do change.

§ When Hannah’s prayer was answered she returned that gift to God.

§ When we ask for something – and it is answered we must return the gift.

· When we ask God to love us – God asks us to take that gift and love others in return.

- Be honest in your prayers. Expect God to do something! And know that your prayers will be answered.

Matthew 14 - sermon

2009-11-12T12:16:00.001-05:00

Losing Focus

In football the purpose of any play is to move the football toward your goal OR to keep it away from the other team’s end zone. That football is the entire focus of the game. The quarterback must focus on the play, whether a running play or a passing play. All the linemen must work together and focus on protecting the quarterback and developing opportunities for that run or pass. The running backs and receivers must focus on the football to have a successful handoffs or receptions. If they don’t they risk a fumble or incomplete pass; worst yet a recovery or interception by the other team. All of the players must focus on the football, in order to play the best game possible. If they lose their focus – chances are they also lose the game.

Life is like that football game. (Except our focus isn’t on a football.) Our focus is on Jesus. And if we lose our focus on Jesus – we can end up where we shouldn’t be.

Our Scripture passage today talks about losing focus, and can teach us about who our focus should be on!

Matthew 14: 22-33 (NRSV)

²² Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land,^* for the wind was against them. ²⁵And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’

²⁸ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ ²⁹He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. ³⁰But when he noticed the strong wind,^* he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ ³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’³²When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

This passage about Jesus walking on the water comes right after he fed the 5,000. He then sends his disciples out on a boat and goes to pray.

The first part of the story tells us a lot about focus and how to focus. Even though Jesus was divinely connected with God, Jesus knew the importance of communion with God through prayer. Jesus uses his prayer time to focus his ministry. He knew who he needed to focus on.

Prayer is not simply asking God to do something. It’s more than that. Prayer changes us. When we pray we are conversing with God. Think about when you have a conversation with someone. You understand better what the other person is trying to tell you because of your conversation with that person. This is the same with God. We understand God better because we converse with God. And that is how prayer changes us. When we pray we are able to focus more on God and God’s plan. So when Jesus goes to pray we know that he is focusing on God’s plan. I can only imagine that during that prayer time Jesus was reminded of his purpose on earth. From the very start of this passage Jesus shows us who we should focus on - God - and how to make sure we are focused on what God wants. Jesus focus was on God, and that is why he was able to do his ministry on earth. And just as Jesus’ focus was on God – so should ours.

The idea of focusing on the right thing continues on in this story. Jesus had sent his disciples on before him – so he needed to catch up with them. Instead of finding a boat, Jesus simply steps out onto the sea and begins walking to the boat that is carrying the disciples! As he approaches the boat his disciples are frightened but Jesus assures them they are safe.

Then comes the part I think we most resonate with. Peter, like a good disciple, wants to be like Jesus. He tells Jesus “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Now I’m not saying that we all dream of walking on the water, although – I have tried it a couple of times at the pool – and I have found that I sink rather than glide gracefully over the water!

When I say that we all resonate with Peter – what I mean is that we all want to get out of that boat. That boat is our comfort zone. Where we are comfortable but not necessarily doing anything to further Jesus’ ministry on earth. Because of our faith we want to be called out of the boat. We all want to take a step of faith – and do something miraculous – like Peter did with walking on water.

It was truly a step of faith to get out of that boat. And Peter must have been crazy to want out of that boat. For the people of his time the sea was a mystery. It represented chaos and evil. In addition to that – don’t forget that there are strong winds blowing and tossing the ship. To step out onto that sea with the wind and waves - Peter was taking an incredible risk. But he did it because he wanted to be like Jesus. Peter was a disciple of Jesus. He called Jesus “Rabbi” or teacher. A disciple follows their teacher and seeks to become just like them, to think, to talk, and to do the things their rabbi does. So Peter – jumped right out of that boat in order to follow Jesus, even onto the sea. What faith! And we are just like Peter, we ask Jesus to guide us. We ask Jesus to call us out of the boat and onto the sea. We seek our whole lives to follow Christ and serve him in this world.

The other side of this story is that Jesus CALLED Peter out of the boat. Jesus wanted Peter to be a successful disciple. He invites Peter out onto the sea. So Peter steps out of the boat. He steps out on faith. He focuses on Jesus. He ignores the winds and the waves. Peter’s goal is to reach Jesus. At this point Peter is successful in his effort to follow Jesus. He is successfully walking on the water – as long as he focuses on Jesus.

Jesus wants us to follow him and serve the world. That is why he calls us to “Come follow me.” Just like Peter, Jesus calls us out of the boat to follow him. To step out of the boat means we are responding to the call – and we MUST focus on only Jesus. And to follow Jesus we simple must focus on him and respond to the call. When Jesus calls us and we must focus on him in order to take that first step – and the next step – and every step after that.

And just like Peter, when we step out on faith and do what Jesus has called us to do – miraculous things can happen!

My first year of seminary was one of my hardest years ever. I could never get through all the reading, my papers weren’t up to the standard that I’d come to expect, and it felt like I spent all my time focusing on studying! This first year – I was so focused on my grades. I was focused on my papers, on reading my books.

Towards the end of my first year I finally realized that what I was learning wasn’t so I could feel good about myself, or have grades to parade around. I was in seminary to learn so I could better serve Jesus. I found that once my focus shifted from learning for myself – to learning so I could do Jesus’ ministry – things got easier! Studying was so much easier, papers were easier to write. I even got better grades. The thing that made all the difference was the fact that my focus had changed from something I wanted to Jesus’ mission.

It’s great what Peter is doing. He is walking on the water! What a miracle. But the story doesn’t stop there. Peter is successful until he loses his focus. Until he looks around at all the chaos that was the sea and the storm, and he begins to sink. He forgets to look at Jesus – he forgets where the power to walk on water comes from. Peter forgets that as long as he follows Jesus and focuses on Jesus he will be on the right path - he’ll be able to walk on the water. As Peter looks around at the sea and the storm he begins to think of reasons why what he’s doing won’t work. Walking on water is impossible. The sea is dangerous – he should have stayed in the boat. Did he, Peter, really think he could do this on his own? These are all reasons he should not have stepped out of that boat. All reasons he should not have stepped out on faith. We are often called to do things that the world sees as impossible. But we leave the boat anyway – just as Peter left that boat, because his master called him.

Just like Peter if we lose our focus and begin to look at all the reasons we ‘shouldn’t ‘or ‘can’t’ do what God calls us to do, we will fail; we, like Peter, begin to sink. The moment we begin to look away from God – and we start trying to accomplish things on our own – we sink. As soon as we begin to tell God that we will do things our way, or in our time, or the way we think things should be – we have lost our focus and our plans won’t pan out.

Remember Jonah. God told him to go to Nineveh, but Jonah wasn’t focusing on what God wanted or God’s plan. Jonah didn’t want to go. He focused on what he wanted– so he ran the other way. Jonah eventually ended up on the shore of Nineveh by way of the belly of a fish because God called him to go to Nineveh.

When we lose our focus things get messed up! And Just like Peter – we’ll start to sink.

As a church, a community of faith, we stepped out onto the water and had faith enough to follow God’s path. With much prayer and faith – we were able to become a two campus church. We were able to do what God called us to do because our focus is on God. We didn’t listen to those who said it couldn’t be done. When the economy began to fail – we didn’t get scared and stop building. We knew that two campuses was God’s plan. And God is bigger than the economy or those who were telling us it couldn’t be done.

We can’t stop focusing on God because the new campus is built. We are still walking on the sea – moving toward Jesus. And remember – walking on the sea is dangerous! If we lose focus we’ll start to sink.

We need to remind ourselves what our focus is. Our focus is God’s mission in the world. It’s not on having a beautiful new campus for ourselves. It’s not on creating more room for us to have our luncheons. Our focus is not on showing the community how great our church is. Our focus is to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. God’s wants us to bring people into our church so that they can know the great love that God has for all of us.

If we lose focus on God’s plan – we will begin to sink. As a congregation that is growing and new faces are showing up – we can’t forget to share the good news at the North campus and the South. So continue to pray. Continue to seek, God’s will for your life. Continue to pray and seek God’s will for our congregation and for our community.

Invite people to join you in worship, in times of fellowship. Invite them to Bible studies. If we do this and continue to focus on God, I know our congregation will be walking on water – and we’ll get closer and closer to our teacher – Jesus Christ. Just don’t lose focus!

this week i learned

2009-11-12T12:02:00.002-05:00

* i thrive on a regular schedule

* i listen entirely too much to other people's ideas

* the ideas i have are good - and usually work out well

* i need a vacation

* i'm going to ireland on vacation in 2 weeks

* when i find the right warm weather clothing - i love it

* i'm a fairly introverted person - which surprises me

* a warm brown is probably my favorite color to decorate my house in

* my second favorite color to decorate with is a light green

* i'm addicted to farmville

this week i learned

2009-10-21T22:00:00.004-04:00

* that I work with two very different cultures

* sometimes kids just don't get it

* i love fall

* people are willing to try new things

* I don't need help at Home Depot

* I sometimes have some great creative ideas

* I sometimes hit a wall with my creativity

* I may have gotten into a groove of things - just a little bit

* I love my job

song of the moment

2009-10-14T10:00:00.001-04:00

Born to Fly - Sara Evans

I've been telling my dreams to the scarecrow

About the places that I'd like to see

I say "Friend, do you think I'll ever get there?"

Oh, but he just stands there smiling back at me.

So I confess my sins to the preacher

About the love I'm be praying to find

Is there a brown eyed boy in my future? Yeah.

And he says "Girl, you've got nothing but time."

But how do you wait for heaven?

And who has that much time?

And how do you keep your feet on the ground?

When you know that you were born

You were born to fly.

My daddy, he is grounded like the oak tree

My mama, she is steady as the sun

Oh, you know I love my folks

But I keep staring down the road

Just looking for my one chance to run

Hey, 'cause I will soar away like the blackbird

I will blow in the wind like a seed

I will plant my heart in the garden of my dreams

And I will grow up where I wander wild and free.

Ohhh

But how do you wait for heaven?

And who has that much time?

And how do you keep your feet on the ground?

When you know that you were born

You were born to fly.

So how do you wait for heaven?

And who has that much time?

And how do you keep your feet on the ground?

When you know that you were born

You were born to fly.

Yeah

You were born to fly, fly, fly, fly

Steve Harvey's Introduction of Jesus

2009-10-12T15:00:00.001-04:00

Steve Harvey's Introduction of Jesus.

this week i learned

2009-10-12T10:34:00.003-04:00

How much I need my Sabbath
I'm not as strict as I think I am.
Sometimes you have to be strict and lay down the rules for your students - it's for their own good.
College football is great!
Great friends empower you
Being a part of a team that supports you - empowers you
I am some body's hero
When explaining new phrases to others - it's best if you leave out other new phrases. For example: The term 'Shawty' is not understood when you say: "You know - like hey bo." Best to explain it - "It's like saying - 'hey girl.'"
I can handle a drill and hammer with the best of them.
Decorating your living space makes it more like home.

this week I learned

2009-09-28T09:53:00.002-04:00

fall is my favorite time of year
my students continue to amaze me
6th graders are crazy - but I love them anyway!
i'm beginning to see some leaders emerge from my youth - which is exciting
when I exercise I'm in a better mood and more focused
facebook occupies too much of my time
i am occasionally very creative
over this past year - i have learned how to deal with difficult people - in a more healthy way
i wish i had taken more pastoral care classes - especially to deal with death.

James 2:1-10, 14-17

2009-09-15T12:53:00.001-04:00

My sermon from a couple of weeks ago.

Holy Lord, maker of us all,
you call us to love our neighbors as ourselves
and teach us that faith without works is dead.
Open us to the opportunities for ministry that lie before us,
where faith and words and the need of our neighbor
come together in name of Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.[1]

Attitude and Action

When you think of faith – what do you think about?

Some of you might think of the great song by George Michael – “you gotta’ have faith, faith, faith…”[2]

Others might think a little more Biblically… having faith as small as a mustard seed.[3] Hebrews 11:1 is one of my favorite verses about faith. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”[4] “We are justified by faith alone”[5]

You also might recall stories of how Jesus healed some people because of their faith. Mark 5:25-34 is about the woman who had faith in Jesus to just touch Jesus’ robe and was healed.[6]

We might think of people who have great faith: Billy Graham, Mother Teresa, and John Wesley. You might have an image of a grandparent who was strong in their faith.

Now these are all good examples of faith. But really what is faith? And, really, what should we do with it?

James 2:1-10 and 14-17 gives us a pretty good idea of what faith is. And even gives us some examples of what faith is not.

My brothers and sisters, do you with your acts of favoritism really believe in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ? ²For if a person with gold rings and in fine clothes comes into your assembly, and if a poor person in dirty clothes also comes in, ³and if you take notice of the one wearing the fine clothes and say, ‘Have a seat here, please’, while to the one who is poor you say, ‘Stand there’, or, ‘Sit at my feet’, ⁴have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? ⁵Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters. Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him? ⁶But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you? Is it not they who drag you into court? ⁷Is it not they who blaspheme the excellent name that was invoked over you?

8 You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ⁹But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. ¹⁰For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.

¹⁴What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you? ¹⁵If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, ¹⁶and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill’, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that? ¹⁷So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.[7]

James seems pretty hard on these people saying: you don’t really have faith – because your actions show otherwise. And if you don’t live out your faith – you don’t really have faith. But I think that he’s right. If we speak about our faith – and use Christian language – but don’t act on our faith – and show others that we do believe… our faith might as well not exist. You know the saying actions speak louder than words. You can put your trust in someone who says they are going to do something, but until they actually DO it – you may not believe them fully.

So again we ask the question: But really what is faith? And, really, what should we do with it?

Faith as defined by the dictionary is: “the confident belief in the truth that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence.”[8]

Confidence, not logical, not material. That sounds like faith to me. We see from the scripture, the life of Jesus and all the great men and women of faith who have gone before us that faith is more this definition.

Faith is a verb. An action. Something we participate in.

Faith as a verb or an action is also what the author of our scripture is talking about today. He is upset with his readers for showing favoritism – which is against the law because favoritism assumes one person is more important than another.[9] He also reprimands them for not helping those in need.

He is upset with them for not living out their faith. For not taking action in their faith – and loving God and loving neighbor.

In the first part of the scripture James describes to us a situation that contradicts faith in Christ.

Having faith in Christ is more than just believing. It’s being inspired to act. Having faith is having a heart that beats more and more like God’s.[10] If our hearts are beating like God’s we’ll begin to be inspired to action. Inspired to live for, and seek God in a way we haven’t before. This is why James said faith must be accompanied by works. If our hearts are beating more like God’s we will begin to love the things God loves and seek to do God’s work in the world.

God’s work in our world is to bring us back into a perfect relationship with God and with each other. That is why James is upset with these people. They have judged one person to be more important than another, they have not done anything to help those in need.

We often do the same thing. We ignore those who need our help. We tend to show favoritism. This isn’t the way God works in the world. God wants to care for those in need and God doesn’t show favoritism. God loves all.

Why is James so adamant about living out the faith through actions?

Because – as James tells us in the second half of this reading – faith without works is dead – it isn’t real faith. And he gives a pretty good example. “If a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and eat your fill’, and yet you do not supply their bodily needs, what is the good of that?”[11] In this example we hear religious jargon. “God bless you. God be with you. God will provide for you.” James points out that this person is cold and hungry, and the response that is given is “God bless you and good luck.” Instead of doing something about this person’s needs it’s almost as if they quote scripture and leave it at that. But quoting scripture won’t make food and clothing magically appear.

I don’t get too excited about mission trips to third world countries where only the gospel will be preached. I don’t believe that only preaching the gospel is living out the faith. For others to live fully – needs must be met. The same is true of trips which only meet the physical needs of others and don’t share the gospel. Faith is not about belief alone or works alone. We must have belief and works.

You must work hard to support that which you believe in.

We all have our favorite football teams. And we have faith that this year OUR team will win. Every year – as our love for our team grows we support our teams. We show others our faith in our team by wearing team colors, by watching the games, by attending the games, by talking about our teams and comparing statistics. Our actions of support for our team who others our attitude or how we feel about our team. We don’t just say we support a team and then ignore them for the whole football season. Our attitude of faith in our team is lived out so others know exactly whose team we’re on.

Shouldn’t our attitude about faith exhibit the same action we show for our teams? Shouldn’t we show others our support for our faith by attending church, by caring for others as Jesus would?

Living out your faith is hard. It’s not a simple thing as author James Ogden of Going Public with One’s Faith, states: "Do not expect your faith to be the answer to all your questions. Faith is not so much the answer to questions as it is the courage to live with [and to seek] unanswered questions"[12]

Think of Abraham – he gave up the life he knew to follow where God told him. Link this to missionaries – many of those missionaries sent from the United States give up comfortable living situations to live out their faith in the way God has called them to. And it’s not because they have to – it is because they believe they must. They believe God wants them to serve others in this way.

Our inspiration to live out our faith doesn’t come from a sense of responsibility. I don’t know too many people who have a cheerful heart when they are required to do something they don’t want to do. [If I am required to serve God – I’d rather not have faith.] Being required to do something is much different than having the privilege to do it. Because we have faith in God – we are privileged to serve God, we are privileged to worship, we are privileged to offer our gifts. Our attitude needs to reflect this sense of privilege so that our actions will show others our privilege. What an honor to get to offer up our gifts to God – out of a sense of gratitude and willingness. When we are privileged to offer these gifts – we understand that the gifts we offer can help God reach out to more of the world.

Faith is not something easy. It’s not an inactive thing. It’s not recharged each week when we come to church. Former president Jimmy Carter says:

“My faith demands -- this is not optional -- my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.”[13]

<> That is a strong word! James is saying the same thing! Faith DEMANDS action. James is saying the same thing: “What good is it, my brothers and sisters,^* if you say you have faith but do not have works? Can faith save you?”[14] James goes even further in verse 17 to say that faith without action is dead. It really isn’t faith at all.[15]

Our inspiration to live out our faith comes from within. It comes from our hearts which are beating and aligning with God’s heart.[16] When we are aligned with God we are more focused on what God wants. It is my understanding that if you have two heart cells that are beating at their own rhythm – when you bring them close together they will begin beating together – synchronizing their rhythm.[17] If we grow closer and closer to God – we will undoubtedly begin to synchronize with God. When our hearts are aligned with God’s heart – we can see what God wants. We can see those who are rich and poor as equal children of God. When our hearts are aligned with God’s we can see that the immediate need of those who are naked and hungry is not a spiritual need – but a physical need. By our faith we are inspired to action because Christ lives in us.[18]

My faith in God inspired me to act. Through my faith in God I felt a call to ordained ministry. I don’t think I would be happy serving God any other way. As Methodists we believe in the ministry of ALL believers. This means that every work you do in the world can and should reflect your faith in God. Your attitude at work should reflect your belief that God loves all – and does not show favoritism. Your attitude at school should reflect the faith you have. Your faith in God should inspire you to act.

HOW? As your heart beats more and more like God’s you will be inspired. We are inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit to guide us. Because you have Christ in you, when you begin to adjust your attitude of faith and put it into action - you will find that you do have a passion for ministry and to do God’s will.

I believe as a church we are doing God’s will. Our church has done a great job of serving everyone in our community... the rich and poor, black and white, old and young. And our ministry to the community will only grow as we open the doors to our second campus. Our ability to serve the community – without showing favoritism or ignoring needs- will be even greater. And we must ALL live out our faith. There will be double the opportunities to work with the youth and help them grow in their faith. There will be double the opportunities to serve on a team that welcomes new visitors into our church. Double the opportunities to serve in missions, Bible Studies, fellowship groups. All of our ministries help us and help the community actively live out the faith.

As the reality of opening a second campus draws closer we must begin to realize that faith will continue to inspire us to minister to our community through programs in the church. How will all this ministry be done? Through the faith and the works – through the action of you – the congregation.

I truly believe that our hearts are aligned and beating with God’s and we have built this second campus to share God with the community. This attitude and love that we have for God – MUST be put into action.

There are many opportunities through the ministry of our church - to put your faith into action to do God’s work in the world.

However you decide to put your faith in action – don’t be reluctant to live out your faith. Be inspired to act.

[1] http://lectionary.library.vanderbilt.edu/prayers.php?id=218 (2.9.2009)

[2] Michael, George. Faith. 01.11.1987. Epic.

[3] Matthew 17:20, NRSV.

[4] Hebrews 11:1, NRSV

[5] Galatians 2:16, NRSV.

[6] Mark 5:25-34, NRSV.

[7] James 2:1-10, 14-17

[8] faith. Dictionary.com. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/faith (accessed: September 02, 2009).

[9] Leviticus 19:15, NRSV.

[10] Bell, Rob. Sunday. Nooma Videos. 004.

[11] James 2:15-16. NRSV.

[12] Ogden, R. James. Going Public With Ones Faith. Judson Press. 1975. [as quoted to me by a friend with my additions in brackets]

[13] http://www.wisdomquotes.com/cat_faith.html (2.9.2009)

[14] James 2:14. NRSV.

[15] James 2:17., NRSV.

[16] Bell, Rob.

[17] http://health.howstuffworks.com/heart4.htm. (accessed 4.9.09)

[18] eds. Heitzenrater, Richard P., and Outler, Albert C. John Wesley’s Sermon’s: An Anthology. p 42.

this week i learned

2009-09-12T20:46:00.003-04:00

i am so out of shape when it comes to running!
how important creating a great sermon is to me
i have some of the greatest students - and some of the craziest
sometimes all you have to do is ask
i LOVE football season - the games, the weather... it just puts me in a good mood
about the business of clergy life
again - how important taking time to relax is for me
even when you're doing something that is far greater than "ME" or "YOU" - some people still think it's all about them.
sleep makes all the difference in the world

this week i learned

2009-09-02T09:18:00.003-04:00

i work hard
in order to work hard i also need to take time to relax
i absolutely love my students
fall is one of my favorite times of the year
the Big Bang Theory T.V. show is hilarious!
this video provides a lot of perspective
this video also provides some perspective
being around certain people energizes me
being around other people completely wears me out
did I mention that I love the fall weather?!

Are you one of the 12 most annoying types of Facebookers?

2009-08-21T12:45:00.001-04:00

Found this on CNN.

I know I fall into a couple of these categories!

Just ASK

2009-08-14T08:27:00.003-04:00

I often read other blogs. Here is a former peer's blog entry. I don't often think about "Just asking."

this week I learned

2009-08-11T08:52:00.002-04:00

my sabbath is an important day to me
spending time with friends is the best sabbath so far
parents who are excited about what the youth are doing - excites me!
i am the youngest clergy in my district... there are only 3 of us under 30... (at least who attended the meeting last night)
26 isn't so bad
sometimes being young intimidates me
planning is what i do best
i might spend TOO much time on planning one thing
i am a huge fan of Julian Smith - I think he's so funny.

this week I learned

2009-07-31T13:18:00.002-04:00

some people (including myself) don't get what it means to commit to something
sometimes all you have to do is ask - and people will step up
i don't ask people to step up enough
patience is not a virtue i possess (dare I ask God to grant me patience!?)
sometimes you've got to do things you don't like
mutual support is so important in the ministry
i like it when things go my way
when things don't go my way - i'm thrown off course
i need to work on being more flexible when things get mixed up

this week I learned

2009-07-20T19:00:00.000-04:00

I have taken a break from my weekly learning posts - but I believe it is a good practice... so here goes:

I am not invincible
I am sometimes very close minded
I don't often stand up for myself
But I am loyal to- and will stand up for - others
I forget what it's like to be a middle schooler
Kids will love you like you can't imagine
I am a youth minister
I'm a bit stubborn at times
Poison oak/sumac/ivy is not fun to have!
Community encouragement does so much for my soul.

Progressive Christian

2009-07-19T15:00:00.001-04:00

One of my dear friends wrote in his blog what I sometimes struggle with. Maybe this will help a few others who face the situation (from either side). Maybe it will label me. Maybe you will be able to share with me ideas you have

Getting back into the swing of things

2009-07-19T13:52:00.004-04:00

I've been gone for what seems like forever.

Fun trips, mission trips, and camp meeting (vacation). I'm finally home, and trying to get back into the swing of things.

Many times people thrive on the spontaneity of life. I'm not one of those. I like to have everything in order. I like to know what is going to happen. I like to be in control. And when I'm not in control - I have a difficult time accepting what others are doing!

But such is life. We go through life learning that we're not always in control. That things don't always go our way. Take for instance the story I have somehow been reminded of in the past few weeks. My call to ministry - and my plan versus God's plan.

I was called into ministry when I was in 7th grade. I told my mom I was going to be a youth minister - and she said "You have to go to seminary for that." I told her I didn't have to. She said "Yes you do- to be a minister." I told her I didn't have to - and we left it at that.

This is the calling I focused on throught the rest of middle school and high school. Then I got a little worried. "What if God was messing this up?" - I knew God wasn't. What I was really asking - "What if I can't do it." So I made a plan B. This plan B was to get a minor in education.

When I got to Presbyterian College I made sure to speak with the Christian Education department advisor. I was squared away. But I needed to go talk to the Education chair - just to inform her of my back-up plan.

Well when I explained to her that my plan: to major in Christian Education and minor in Education - she said "You can't do that."

"What?" I didn't quite understand - why not? Aren't college professors supposed to encourage young, energetic freshmen to have high ideals?! I didn't take to well to this lady telling me that I couldn't do something.

"You can't do that because that's too many hours - you can't get it done in 4 years."

Now I (thought) I understood. Oh well - if the 4 year plan doesn't work out - I can always go 5 years.

"You should major in Education and minor in Christian Education"

Well now - she was messing with my plan.

I told her politely I was set on majoring in Christian Education. And again - she told me I couldn't do that. Thanks...

I walked away and never looked back. God should have just come out and said it - instead of having someone tell me I couldn't do it.

But I guess God uses others to guide us. My plan - was not God's plan. God doesn't need a plan B. See - I either didn't trust myself - or (the more likely thought) I didn't trust God.

Why is it that we don't always trust God? I look back at that time and I realize that I was scared. I couln't see the outcome. I was afraid that I might fail.

I, I, I.

My fears were not based on God guiding me through. They were based on the fact that I thought I had to do it alone. The truth is - if I had tried to do it on my own - it would have failed. Eventually I allowed God to take control. I allowed God to guide me. I began working with God - not against. Now - I have just graduated seminary (I know mom's are always right), and I'm in my first full time appointment as a youth minister. I'm loving it.

I'm sure glad I let God take control and guide me!

A testimony to goodness

2009-07-02T14:52:00.003-04:00

This article talks about 3 students who graduated from their school in New York. The thing about this school is that it caters to students who are autistic.

These students were able - with the help of others - to overcome their disabilities and graduate.

The article speaks about the love and attention the school, teachers, and para-pros show toward the students.

This is a testimony to goodness I think. It's these stories I love - but they don't get printed all that often

Young Adults - Just a Thought

2009-07-01T15:53:00.002-04:00

From Bishop Will Willimon - of the North Alabama UM Conference.

Reaching out to Young Adults

Hope for Children

2009-06-22T20:51:00.002-04:00

While I was at conference - many of us were blessed to have the Hope for Africa Children's Choir perform for us. These children came from Uganda - from the H.U.M.B.L.E School for Children.

First off I was amazed at their energy. These children danced WHILE singing. And I'm not just talking swaying.... I'm talking - jumping up and down - aerobic exercise!

I was also amazed at their ability. Their songs were wonderful - and you could tell they enjoyed what they were doing.

I'm glad the Bishop has such a big heart - I know those children singing filled mine to overflowing

NGA Ammendments Vote

2009-06-19T11:43:00.003-04:00

Check out Scott's blog for the list of all the Ammendments

this week I learned

2009-06-09T15:30:00.002-04:00

I am one of the most popular girls in the Dawsonville/Dahlonagah area.
I work better in the morning
I've got a little bit of a business side to me!
I think I've created a complex for myself
Saved by the Bell still rules
I don't know what to do in basketball... so I just run around trying to block the ball
My family is full of busy bodies - but I love them for it :)
Sometimes the weatherman is wrong
I'm easily distracted

Zack Attack - Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

2009-06-09T15:27:00.001-04:00

This is quite possibly one of the funnieset things I have run across -

I still watch Saved by the Bell sometimes

Enjoy

Heaven Moments

2009-05-31T19:00:00.000-04:00

Do you ever have those moments in life that are just right? Everything is perfect, you feel content, and you know others feel the same way?

I call those heaven moements. Little glimpses into what living in harmony and relationship with God and with each other will look and feel like.

Here are some "Heaven Moments" I've had:

During Viva la Vida at the Coldplay concert. Everyone was singing along and enjoying the song.
Giggling with friends
Walking on the beach 2 weeks ago. Everything was just peaceful.
Seeing my students talking and joking around with each other.
Having deep - but meaningful conversations with friends.

What are some of your heaven moments?

this week I learned

2009-05-31T13:23:00.003-04:00

the value of slowing down
how tiring children are
leaving is hard
I can be emotional at times
I'm more attached to Karen than I thought I was!
Summer is hot
I've got some bright people in my youth group!
sittin' around - shootin' the breeze is fun
I've got a lot to learn about business stuff!
I love my life!

This Week I Learned

2009-05-18T15:53:00.003-04:00

I am strong - and enjoy the physical aspect of moving things
I did learn a lot in my 7 years of higher education and 21 years of schooling (another blog to come soon about this!)
Grace is easier give by God.
I am enjoying not being in school
I get to work full time now
I need to get better at time management
I have a lot of support from all around
I like sunny days better than rainy
I apparently have an internal clock that wakes me up at 6:30 a.m.
Being unprepared can lead to bad lessons - or no lessons at all!

This week I learned

2009-04-29T09:40:00.002-04:00

I'm going to miss these people I live with

I love, love, love dancing

Professors are real people

When I find a good book: I can't put it down! (Same Kind of Different as Me)

Some people just need to make things difficult

I'm done with school for a little while - I just needa break

I'm a little bit of a hypochondriac

I'm going to try to follow the advice of this guy when I enter the ministry full-time

My parents are very proud of me

I am proud of myself

True - but poorly written

2009-04-28T08:40:00.004-04:00

This news article about people "changing their religions" is true, but poorly written. I believe that the correct term the author should have used was DENOMINATION. Going from Episcopalian to Quaker isn't a change in religion. It is a change in denomination. Going from Episcopalian to Muslim - is a change in religion.

This week I learned (Stolen from T)

2009-04-21T16:45:00.003-04:00

this week I learned:

throwing a wedding shower is a lot of work - but it's a great feeling

after several days of going and going - I need some Amanda time.

A walk can cure anything

I am a little sad about graduating

I am very EXCITED about graduating

my dog is like my child - I worry when he's sick

I'm not a big fan of chicken salad sandwiches

I'm also not a fan of cucumber sandwiches either

i miss my college girls a lot

i am a blessed person :o)

Facebook's Growing Popularity

2009-04-13T16:08:00.000-04:00

Facebook is growing in popularity - see this link

Raw Millk... Illegal???

2009-04-13T12:48:00.003-04:00

I love that drinking raw milk is an issue. I'm not sure I've ever been a part of this illegal activity, but thought this story was interesting...

Raw Milk is Most Widely Consumed Illegal Commodity Besides Drugs

Thought about Maundy Thursday

2009-04-09T17:25:00.007-04:00

Maundy Thursday. Such and odd name for a day of Holy Week. I've really been thinking about it and what it means.

Wikipedia - Maundy Thursday defined as:

"Maundy Thursday (also known as Holy Thursday or Great and Holy Thursday), is the Christian feast or holy day falling on the Thursday before Easter that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles. It is the fifth day of Holy Week, and is preceded by Holy Wednesday and followed by Good Friday."

While this fantastic encyclopedia offers a good explanation - I'm not sure it really captures the meaning of this Holy day Christians celebrate.

Here's how it all began: Jesus came to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. This is a major festival for Jews and therefore important to Jesus. Jews were celebrating the release from slavery in Egypt.

So Jesus and his disciples gathered together to celebrate this festival - just like they were accustomed to doing. It was common to celebrate this meal with wine and flat-bread. (Much like the elements we use today for Communion.)

Here's what Jesus did: But Jesus changed things up a little bit. The Passover meal was a commemorative meal. Jesus encouraged his disciples to remember this meal. He told his disciples to remember him each time they partook in the meal. Jesus was saying - remember what I have taught you: To love God, your neighbor, and yourself (paraphrased: Matthew 22:34-40).

This is what it means: On Maundy Thursday we are reminded that TOMORROW - Jesus Christ hangs tortuously on the cross - taking on the sins of the ALL. Releasing us from our slavery: sin. As humans - we're not perfect - we mess up... a lot. But we're forgiven - we're released from the punishment that comes from living in a messed up world - because of what Jesus Christ did for all of us.

That is why we celebrate the Lord's Supper. At the supper (particularly tonight) we are reminded of all that Jesus Christ did. Just like the Jews remember Passover as a time when God released them from slavery in Egypt - we are reminded on Maundy Thursday that what Christ will do for us on Friday, will release us from the slavery we are in.

Go Green

2009-04-03T18:31:00.005-04:00

So if you don't know - I try to be conscience about how I treat our earth. "Going Green" if you will. I recycle, try to reuse paper, try to bring my own bag to the grocery store, etc.

Here's a site I've been following for others of you who want to "Go Green"

Seminarians Reject Church?

2009-04-02T13:58:00.002-04:00

Read this article and let me know what you think.

Student's Reject Church

At the Crossroads.

2009-03-31T13:15:00.009-04:00

For the past 3 years I have been at the Crossroads. Pulled in two different directions. Pulled to succeed in school while also pulled to do my best work in ministry.

This is frustrating at times. As someone who seeks to do her best - I require myself to succeed. So I have a hard time letting school slip. As a minister I understand the need to be thorough in my ministry and to give all I have to and do the best I can in ministry. For the past three years I've had to balance these urges - pull to fully succeed in both areas of my life. (Don't get me wrong - I feel very successful in both areas)

So I'm at the crossroads - and soon I'm going to get to travel down one of these roads. I'm going to start down the ministry path. I'm excited about this! Finally the opportunity to devote myself fully to one particular area of my life.

The next couple of months will be busy with learning how to balance life and work! I'm so excited!

Getting closer to God

2009-03-14T13:52:00.004-04:00

What does "getting closer to God mean?" That's really an open question!

For me it means growing in my relationship. Learning more about God - trying to understand the character of God better.

The past two days I spent some time with some friends at Oak Mountain State Park in Alabama - enjoying nature. Nature is definately one of the ways I grow closer to God. Seeing nature is a reminder to me - that God is the Creator of all this beauty! It's amazing. I've included some of my pictutres of nature.

How do you grow closer to God?

Pictures from the recent snow

2009-03-04T09:05:00.002-05:00

On Sunday it snowed.... I got some pictures!

at the church - while the snow was coming down!

the cross in the snow!

just as it began to snow.... see the snowflakes!?

proof that I did go out into the snow!

Sunday Mornings

2009-03-01T08:32:00.004-05:00

So it's Sunday morning's like this (rainy) that I'd rather stay in bed. Heck I hit the snooze alarm twice today! (For those of you who know me... I rarely hit the snooze alarm!)

So why get up on a Sunday morning? (Other than it's my job- I could easily change that...)

I get up because there is something about coming together on Sunday to worship. To be a part of a community. The one day a week that I come together with others to join in fellowship and worshipping God. I love the songs we sing on Sunday mornings, I love saying the Apostle's Creed, hearing the Scripture that has been read for centuries presented to me. There's something about gathering with others that just gets me up and out of bed.

So I ask... what gets you out of bed on a Sunday morning? Is it worship like me? Is it the pets? Kids? Does your internal alarm get you up early? What gets you up?!

trying to get better at this

2009-02-27T11:40:00.003-05:00

So I'm trying to get better at this. Blogging that is. I've just never been good at writing updates! So here goes!

I have recently come to realize what a tool technology can be for my ministry. Getting connected to people. Networking - being observant about other's lives and what is going on.

Technology can really help ministers stay connected to what is going on with people they minister to.

But is there a draw-back? What do you think?

One Step at a Time

2008-10-04T13:03:00.002-04:00

So it's been over a moth since I've updated!

School has started.... maybe this explains why I haven't updated.

A typical week looks like this: (skip this if you know I'm just busy, busy)

Sunday: 2 Services and Sunday School. Am I prepared for Youth tonight? Get ready. YOUTH! Clean up drive to Rynolds Plantation (neighborhood) and lead Small Group. BED

Monday: STUDY, STUDY, STUDY. Drive to Atlanta. Watch an episode or two of 24 with Wade.

Tuesday: Class at 8 and 9:30. Worship, Lunch, study more, class at 2:30 - dirve home, write a paper and read - BED

Wednesday: 8 and 9:30 class. Work out. Go home. Study, study, study.

Thursday: 8 and 9:30 class. Work out. Study, Study - dinner with friends.

Friday: 8 and 9:30 class. Wrok out. Drive to the lake, Football game! SLEEP

Saturday: Try to study, write curriculum for Sunday, watch a Gator game?! Do things that I need to get done. Bed early - to start another week!

I have been super busy with school. This year is going to be great. I'm enjoying my classes as well as growing myself. I've got a preaching class that I'm really trying to apply.

In all of this I'm also trying to work on commissioning papers (papers for ordination)

Not a big or exciting update - but an update none-the-less :)

Xtreme

2008-08-11T18:01:00.002-04:00

This week has been a busy week.

I feel like I have been all over creation. (Really only all over Greensboro and Columbia, South Carolina)

Looking for wedding dresses for Karen, looking for clothing for me, looking for supplies for the youth group, looking for a good hamburger close to Greensboro! (I have yet to find a good hamburger...)

This weekend I had a YAC retreat. My youth advisory committee. We played mini-golf and then came up with a mission statement and name we are now .... 24/7 Xtreme! Yea we're pretty cool. I'm going to get t-shirts made.... Be jealous!

After the retreat I zoomed over to a member's house for a pool party. After going all day - then a pool party - I was zonked! Only to do the same thing the next day! Church and a pool party. I had a great time at both - but *gasp* slept in for an hour today! What a long day it has been too. Just being tired - knowing I'm not fully caught up on my sleep has made me a little ornery.

We're having a "Transitional Team Meeting" tonight. We'll be talking about how we plan to transition to the new campus. What events will we still hold here at the North Campus - what will be specific to the South Campus. A lot of thinking will go on - I just hope I have the brain power to do it!!

Chao

Another week

2008-07-25T13:05:00.002-04:00

Been another week.
You know typical week!
Meetings - returning e-mails - checking facebook.
Funeral and more meetings
My day off was spent with my mom. I finally got to walk around downtown and see all the cute little shops.

I've been busy this week trying to contact potential volunteers for the program and nail down the Back2School Kickoff.

This weekend I hope to go to Athens or Madison for a little shopping!

That is Amanda for you!

A Sweet Sweet Spirit in this Place

2008-07-19T17:21:00.005-04:00

What a week!
I spent the past week as a Youth Director at Camp Meeting. For those of you who don't know what camp meeting is - let me try to explain.
It is sawdust, family, faith, sun, fellowship, community, grace, fun, renewal, revitalization, it's love.

It's a week of reunion and revival. Our week begins on Friday lasts 8 days and ends on Friday with a candle-light service. In between those two Fridays there is a whole host of activities.
Each day we hear from a preacher. This year we heard from the delightful Dr. Phil DeMore and Dr. Andrew Purvis a theologian like no other. In addition to services there is singing, classes, morning watch, food (mainly fried), talking, games, lessons, and bonding.

This year I was honored and blessed to share this experience with Karl (the other youth minister) and his wife - Michelle. You'd think that a week of non-stop work would exhaust you, but I left the campgrounds last night - not wanting to leave. It was renewal for my soul.

The theme for the week was J.O.Y. Matthew 22:37-39. "He said to him, "' You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself."' Love of Jesus-Others-Yourself. JOY. A right relationship with God, a loving relationship toward others, and a love and value of yourself. It was a week of experiencing all three. Loving God - strengthening that relationship, loving others - giggling, smiling, happy kids, and loving myself - enjoying the sleep I got, allowing myself to forget work, school, etc and just be me.

There is so much to say, so much to process, and so little time. I imagine as the week goes on I will have more to say! I leave now with other pictures:

New Beginnings

2008-06-26T13:02:00.005-04:00

I have begun! I am now officially the Minister of Youth at my new church. I stood at the front of the church this past Sunday - and shook hands with about 200 people. Yikes!

This church is one of the oldest United Methodist churches in the country. It is also a first church. But what really intrigued me was the way it has reached out to the community. Offering a community choir. In addition to this they are building a second campus. I will be a part of the staff who learns what it means to serve at two campuses. The function of these two campuses is to become more accessible to the people south of the highway. To the left is a picture of what they've begun to do with the new campus.

This week we began Vacation Bible School. I am leading recreation. That makes for a long day but a good day. Getting to play with kids has been really fun.
I was given a book Monday by one of the members of my congregation. Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations by: Robert Schnase. It is a great book for congregations to read, and particularly good for my congregation as we build the new campus. The first chapter is about Radical hospitality. Not just hospitality but radical hospitality! What does that mean? Instead of just inviting people into a relationship with Christ - what is different about the way we are inviting people to a relationship with Christ? It's inviting people into relationship with us so that they may experience the love of Christ. I really enjoyed this chapter. I think it is a good place to start ministry. How are the programs I plan going to invite others into a relationship with Christ?

As I read further on in this book hopefully I'll post some other thoughts.

And I leave you with these two pictures:

This is what I came home to yesterday evening..... a DRAGON! Interesting .... believe me it was. Imagine seeing this near your air conditioner. Now I would have left him - except about 1 foot to the left is where I lay my head.... that wasn't going to happen!

As I fought and tamed him - he ended up in this glad-ware container...

He has now been released back into his natural habitat... Hopefully never to be seen again.

Oh my starry eyed surprise

2008-06-08T19:48:00.006-04:00

What a great weekend. My friends from college came down to hear me preach at my home church. What great friends I have that would come to visit and here what I have to say ;o) It was so good to have a girls weekend. We got to hang out and goof off. On Saturday we spent the morning at the Coke Factory.

I must say - the new Coke factory is so cool. They have new shows and a REALLY cool 4-D theater. The 4-D was my favorite part besides the tasting room. Any way - it was great to see friends to have them come support me and hang out. :o)

something new

2008-06-02T15:21:00.004-04:00

My last week at church went by so fast! I can't believe it!
I had a horrible sinus infection from Sunday - Tuesday (when I finally got medication!)
So that left me Wednesday to work on Awaken - my last retreat.
The retreat went well. I was so excited that things worked out so well for the week.
The students were so willing to help, and it was great. They leapt into service with a great attitude. [The picture up here is of me going through a box of things
to be given to Goodwill]
During our discussions about service the students came up with so many good ideas about service, life, faith, heaven, etc. I'm so proud about ALL they know. They all have good hearts.

Saying goodbye yesterday was hard. All the students (and some parents) were so complementary. I couldn't believe it. Looking at all the students I could see a little bit of God in each one of them. I could see a little bit of spiritual growth in each of them. As sad as it was to leave I know I'm leaving a group of students who are rooted in solid teachings. I'm gonna' miss those students - and their quirks - but I'm also excited to grow and develop in a new way!

My brother's a college grad!

2008-05-19T19:30:00.003-04:00

I'm so proud of my brother. He graduated on Saturday. Very nice ceremony. A little long - but for those of you who know me any time I can't stand up when I want and move around is "a little long"

I've added some pictures.
Congrats little buddy!

There is the graduate himself!

What a great family

New Blogging

2008-05-14T17:24:00.000-04:00

As I'm moving on to new adventures so many people have said "I'm so excited for you! Keep us updated on your life!"

I thought to myself: how am I going to do this? I'm not so good at calling or e-mailing. So I am going to try my hand at blogging.... putting my life out there on the world wide web!

As the summer continues I hope to keep this blog updated with pictures and stories of how I'm doing. Keep checking back and I'll try to keep trying to update it!

arg

Amanda

JesusPainter "By His Wounds" Glory Revealed

I am

Fashion Advice

Whip My Hair.... little different

Pick Me!

Marcel the shell With Shoes On

Ski Trip 2010

Special Hot Chocolate Recipe

Highlighting: David Chapman

Top Photos of 2010

Youth Ministry Resources

Memories of 2010

Top 10 of 2010 - Videos

I'm back!

Youth Ministry Links

This week I learned

This Week I Learned

Realistic Self Talk

This Week I Learned

Zumba

Me, Myself, and Time

Music makes the mood

Salem

this week i learned

Recommended Books

Heaven Moments

Millennials

Invisible Children Info

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Youth Minister Tidbits

This week I learned

Good Friday

The Perfect Day

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OK-GO

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This Week I Learned

Black Magic

Help for Haiti

Ireland

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Underground Church

top 8 videos of 2009

my top ten moments of 2009

Trust

this week i learned

Honest Prayer

Matthew 14 - sermon

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this week i learned

song of the moment

Steve Harvey's Introduction of Jesus

this week i learned

this week I learned

James 2:1-10, 14-17

this week i learned

this week i learned

Are you one of the 12 most annoying types of Facebookers?

Just ASK

this week I learned

this week I learned

this week I learned

Progressive Christian

Getting back into the swing of things

A testimony to goodness

Young Adults - Just a Thought

Hope for Children

NGA Ammendments Vote

this week I learned

Zack Attack - Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

Heaven Moments

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This Week I Learned

This week I learned

True - but poorly written

This week I learned (Stolen from T)

Facebook's Growing Popularity

Raw Millk... Illegal???

Thought about Maundy Thursday