3rd half marathon in 3 months...tomorrow morning.

I just got back from a Leadnow conference in Orlando, FL. I basically went because Donald Miller was speaking. I can't believe how busy I have become over the past month - I expect this business in youth ministry for the summer but January/February? And I don't really see an end in sight till April...I went to Orlando with 3 other people - all of which I know pretty well - so I didn't feel like I had to be "on" all the time. It was good time to just listen to them and to process and just be quiet.

Don Miller shared basically what his new years resolution was - which is to have his life tell a better story: http://donmillerfans.net/2006/12/

That my story has a protagonist(me) and I have dreams and must face my fears to accomplish my dreams...

Everyday we have a choice to truly live or to allow our fears to stop us from living- from contributing to the story that God is writing in our lives.

One of my dreams right now is to walk alongside teenagers as they figure out where they fit in the body of Christ. Which I am actually doing. But it could be better. I have allowed the fact that I get so busy to get in the way of really loving them well. But busy means that I am doing things, right? Right... I also decide that if I don't like one of them, then God must not either. Right...again. So here's to seeing them through His eyes and allowing them the grace to be loved right where they are.

3 half marathons so far. Why? Cause I only live once. Going for 7 more for 2007. This is something that I can share with my dad and sister - even if we aren't running together we are out there struggling and growing through our running over time - it makes my heart hurt in a good way.

I believe...from myspace

I believe...

Finding my way in an institution where so many ways are already set up. Sometimes when I feel that there is an expectation - it makes me squirm. Saying no makes me squirm. But I can't live to others expectations. I know that. I don't often have trouble with it but every once in awhile I do. It's funny that I have tried to work with what has been done at my church for so long. But yesterday I finally gave myself permission to admit that what was being done doesn't work for me. And now I can find my way! How flippin cool is that. I went into a meeting yesterday ready to run the meeting the way it has been done at least for 5 years - and I started it and just felt AWKWARD. Adults and youth are looking at me - waiting for whatever words that I was going to pass on to make it worth their time to even come to the meeting...and I started by thanking some of the parents that have served the youth group for about 7 years and then I paused and said "I don't know what we are going to do next with this committee but it's not working as it stands now". And most of them nodded in agreement! Whew. So what are we going to do next? I don't know. But I am excited. Have I mentioned before that I love my job? It is crazy at times - especially this time of year...where I could be at a dance recital, graduation, awards ceremony almost every night - but I love that I get to walk with students. So this leadership committee...I am praying that we figure out how to best use all the adults and youth that want to lead - and get them leading! Also, I am ready for a discernment council or a sounding board- which is a fancy way of asking a group of people to sit with me periodically and pray...bounce ideas around and make decisions about the direction of the youth group. So I have asked different adults to think/pray about that. Yes! The thing that I am owning more and more is that I serve a God that is in love with me and with every one of you. And I crave that more and more people know that...own that...