I don't know everything.
I know, its a weird thought...I've thought since I was a little girl that I already knew everything. At least, the important stuff. I have no idea how to do differential equations (I don't even know what they are, I just remember that all the engineers at Tech struggled in the class), but when it comes to life, I pretty much know everything.
Or, maybe not.
What if, it is a part of God's plan that Linda does NOT live with me? What if He is working in her, even when I'm not around? Is it possible that His plan is better than mine?
On Monday night Linda came to God Squad and FINALLY told me about her boyfriend. She has been with him since just after Thanksgiving, but thought she was keeping him from me. Of course, she is not nearly as sneaky as she thinks she is. I actually asked her about him back in December and she just got really mad and told me to stay out of her business. (Like that isn't a HUGE red flag!).
So, I backed off and just waited for her to tell me what I already knew. Finally, on Monday she told me about him, and we talked. In fact, we had a really good talk (and I told her I have known about him since Nov, haha. She was pretty embarrassed).
Then, she invited him to Teen Club on Thursday. So, I finally got to meet him. He was VERY nervous to meet me (which I took as a really good sign). :) He was very nice, funny, treated both Bonita and Linda well, and even helped me carry a TV into my house. I didn't stay for Teen Club, but the leaders at Teen Club told me that he was very well behaved and the two of them were NOT affectionate and were comfortable hanging together, and apart. Linda was even shocked as he sang the songs during worship and went up to the front for prayer at the end of the lesson. He said he wants to come to God Squad, and even talked to Jeff about what it means to be baptized. Of course I would rather her be with someone who already is a Christian, but...its not really my plan.
He is almost 15 (a year older than Linda), makes really good grades and is a model student. He actually spent last weekend in NY with some students and teachers from their school as a reward for his good grades and behavior. Linda said that he really encourages her in school and tries to help keep her out of trouble.
He is really into boxing and goes to classes several times a week. So, I like the boyfriend (so far...). Linda is more mature than I gave her credit for.
After Teen Club, I dropped him off at his house and then he called Linda to ask a few questions about the permission slip and about God Squad on Monday. I then listened as Linda explained to him that he needed to take God Squad seriously because it was for people who are serious about God, and she didn't want him to come if he wasn't going to be serious.
She's a lot stronger than I gave her credit for.
Of course, I am still praying incredibly hard for her...especially in the area of purity. I didn't have my first kiss until I was 20, Linda has already had hers. She is mature and strong, but still has plenty of mistakes to make.
Still, its really nice to be reminded that someone much bigger and smarter than me has the plan for her life. I do forget that sometimes...
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ministry. Show all posts
Friday, March 27, 2009
Sunday, November 9, 2008
We Revolved!
And once again I wait a ridiculous amount of time to post on my blog and I now have way too much to write. Will I ever learn? Let's hope so!
This has been an extremely busy week (as you can see by my lack of posts) and I have a million things running around in my head. I honestly feel like I hardly have time to breath, and I'm not really enjoying it. Its just that time of year, though, so I need to push through...and I will.
I really have a lot to share with you all, and I REALLY want to (honestly, more for me than for you, sorry. I have been so busy I haven't had a chance to really talk to anyone about things that are on my mind and my heart...which means you guys will get it soon! Be afraid...be very afraid...). Anyway, unfortunately its getting late and I don't have time to write everything I want (need) to. I do, however, have time to tell you about the Revolve Tour that several teens, leaders and I attended this weekend. (Okay, so I know there are other things I could talk about, but Carisa requested a Revolve post, and well I just can't say no to her!). :)
Revolve is a 2 day concert/event specifically seared toward teenage girls; challenging and encouraging them in their faith. Its basically Women of Faith for teen girls. Imagine 10,000 teenage girls in one auditorium. Scary? You have no idea...
We attend Revolve every year, usually making it a fun get together for our God's Girls, past and present. This was our 3rd year attending, and honestly I went into it with some reservations.
First, in the past 2 years there has been a lot of focus on having the right look. All of the speakers and singers on stage were dressed in the latest fashions with their hair and make up perfectly done. And other than Natalie Grant last year (who had just given birth to twins), not a single girl appeared to be larger than a size 4. This didn't seem to fit with all the talk about God loving you exactly how you are and finding your true identity in God, not the world. Many of the women on stage seemed to be conforming to the world.
There also seemed to be a big focus on relationships. I will never forget Tammy Trent's testimony at Revolve the first year, it spoke to my heart in a way few things ever have. I also remember Jenna Lucado's talk last year about fathers and the Father's heart for His daughters. Unfortunately, those talks were exceptions rather than the rule. Well, the lone guy speaker, Chad Eastham, is always memorable, funny and speaks truth. Still, the rest of the talks always seemed to follow this formula; "I was born, I went through some rough stuff, I accepted Christ, I met my husband and we are living happily ever after". I really felt like we were setting our girls up for some serious disappointment with that one.
And finally; I REALLY don't want to downplay the pain and struggle that women face when they struggle with anorexia or bulimia...but if one more skinny girl talks to me about her food struggles, I think I might scream.
So, I went into the Revolve not expecting much and actually pretty convinced that it would be our last year. Praise the Lord I was pleasantly surprised!!!
First, I couldn't even tell you which of the women were wearing makeup and which weren't. Some wore their hair in a pony tail, some down. They looked nice, but not overdone. It was as if they had gotten themselves ready instead of having a makeup artist do it. It was such a wonderful difference! They were all dressed nicely, but not necessarily in the latest fashions. I could actually believe that their outfits came out of their own closets instead of a wardrobe room.
Second, several of the speakers were single!! In fact, I only know that because they weren't wearing rings...there wasn't even one talk that involved relationships or "living happily ever after". The talks were all about the heart. God's incredible love and desire for your heart!!
Chad did talk about boys (that's kind of his role on the tour), but he did it in a way that spoke to the heart of each girl, not just her actions. He's always been good at that and this year was no different.
And this year no one talked about their eating disorder!! There were references to that being a possible struggle for the girls, but the focus was on God, not the struggle.
Of course, me being the horribly opinionated person that I am, I still didn't think it was perfect. The cost of everything boggles my mind. I question how all the commercialization of the event is honoring to God. I don't understand how an event that is focused on trying to get girls to see God before boys can have faint inducing boy bands perform. There are entirely too many pop culture references, and almost none of them relate to our girls. The event is very focused on suburban teens, although not so much that our girls don't love it.
All that aside, though, I think this was the best year yet.
Another thing that made this year so much fun was having so many former God's Girls there that are now teens. It was almost like a reunion with them. Revolve is designed for teen girls, but since Carisa and I lead the pre-teen girls Sunday School class we usually focus on the preteens that go. This year, though, I came to a revelation. For the most part, Revolve is over the heads of our preteens, but our teens are really starting to listen. It was really exciting to watch the teens tune in, and even more exciting to hear their thoughts on things afterwards. Several of them really felt like things that were spoken went straight to their heart.
The preteens were a different story. They spent about as much time in the bathroom during the talks as they spent in their seats. They did have fun, though, so it wasn't a total waste. Still, it was more than just fun for a lot of our teens, which is so exciting.
Realizing this led me to go ahead and decide to buy tickets for next year (you get the best price if you buy them at the tour). While Revolve isn't perfect, it does a pretty good job of reinforcing the things we teach the girls at God's Girls. So, if nothing else, its an amazing reminder that what we taught them wasn't just for the year or two that they were God's Girls, we are talking about their whole lives.
It's also really good for the girls to be in a place with 10,000 other girls who want to live their lives for Christ. In our neighborhood, these girls are often the only ones in their family/school/block trying to live for Christ. At Revolve, for once, they don't feel so alone, weird or out casted. Its a really great encouragement for them.
Revolve was a bigger deal for me this year because of Linda and Bonita. Linda is growing up (big time!) and is already being faced with a lot of choices that I have no control over. She literally has countless boys chasing after her and choosing to follow Christ is becoming harder and harder. I am SO thankful for the friends she has chosen at church, but she still is the one making the choices. I saw her listening and really paying attention this year at Revolve. There was a lot said in talks, in the dramas and even in the lyrics of many of the songs that I am praying will resonate in her mind as she faces challenges I can't even begin to understand. And Bonita; she is coming up right behind Linda. She isn't quite as physically developed as Linda (yet), but I believe that Linda's choices will have a HUGE impact on what path Bonita will follow.
Plus, I really enjoy having all the God's Girls together, they are a wonderful group of girls. Revolve is kind of like a yearly reunion for us. Based on this year, I will focus on inviting as many teens as I can and only a select few of preteens. The tickets are too expensive for girls who are only there for the concerts.
I came home from Revolve relieved, thankful, and hugely burdened. There is so much going on in our church with teen girls getting pregnant and my heart literally started to cry out for these girls. They have to stand strong in ways that none of us can understand. They have internal and external pressures that I can't fathom. They will not make it if they don't trust in the strength of Christ. I literally cried for their hearts, knowing that my tears were expressing the heart of their Father. They are beautiful and so loved...but God will continue to work to develop perseverance in them, and that will not be easy.
In all, the money and time spent was well worth it. God will complete the work He began in them...
And, we had a lot of fun. :)
This has been an extremely busy week (as you can see by my lack of posts) and I have a million things running around in my head. I honestly feel like I hardly have time to breath, and I'm not really enjoying it. Its just that time of year, though, so I need to push through...and I will.
I really have a lot to share with you all, and I REALLY want to (honestly, more for me than for you, sorry. I have been so busy I haven't had a chance to really talk to anyone about things that are on my mind and my heart...which means you guys will get it soon! Be afraid...be very afraid...). Anyway, unfortunately its getting late and I don't have time to write everything I want (need) to. I do, however, have time to tell you about the Revolve Tour that several teens, leaders and I attended this weekend. (Okay, so I know there are other things I could talk about, but Carisa requested a Revolve post, and well I just can't say no to her!). :)
Revolve is a 2 day concert/event specifically seared toward teenage girls; challenging and encouraging them in their faith. Its basically Women of Faith for teen girls. Imagine 10,000 teenage girls in one auditorium. Scary? You have no idea...
We attend Revolve every year, usually making it a fun get together for our God's Girls, past and present. This was our 3rd year attending, and honestly I went into it with some reservations.
First, in the past 2 years there has been a lot of focus on having the right look. All of the speakers and singers on stage were dressed in the latest fashions with their hair and make up perfectly done. And other than Natalie Grant last year (who had just given birth to twins), not a single girl appeared to be larger than a size 4. This didn't seem to fit with all the talk about God loving you exactly how you are and finding your true identity in God, not the world. Many of the women on stage seemed to be conforming to the world.
There also seemed to be a big focus on relationships. I will never forget Tammy Trent's testimony at Revolve the first year, it spoke to my heart in a way few things ever have. I also remember Jenna Lucado's talk last year about fathers and the Father's heart for His daughters. Unfortunately, those talks were exceptions rather than the rule. Well, the lone guy speaker, Chad Eastham, is always memorable, funny and speaks truth. Still, the rest of the talks always seemed to follow this formula; "I was born, I went through some rough stuff, I accepted Christ, I met my husband and we are living happily ever after". I really felt like we were setting our girls up for some serious disappointment with that one.
And finally; I REALLY don't want to downplay the pain and struggle that women face when they struggle with anorexia or bulimia...but if one more skinny girl talks to me about her food struggles, I think I might scream.
So, I went into the Revolve not expecting much and actually pretty convinced that it would be our last year. Praise the Lord I was pleasantly surprised!!!
First, I couldn't even tell you which of the women were wearing makeup and which weren't. Some wore their hair in a pony tail, some down. They looked nice, but not overdone. It was as if they had gotten themselves ready instead of having a makeup artist do it. It was such a wonderful difference! They were all dressed nicely, but not necessarily in the latest fashions. I could actually believe that their outfits came out of their own closets instead of a wardrobe room.
Second, several of the speakers were single!! In fact, I only know that because they weren't wearing rings...there wasn't even one talk that involved relationships or "living happily ever after". The talks were all about the heart. God's incredible love and desire for your heart!!
Chad did talk about boys (that's kind of his role on the tour), but he did it in a way that spoke to the heart of each girl, not just her actions. He's always been good at that and this year was no different.
And this year no one talked about their eating disorder!! There were references to that being a possible struggle for the girls, but the focus was on God, not the struggle.
Of course, me being the horribly opinionated person that I am, I still didn't think it was perfect. The cost of everything boggles my mind. I question how all the commercialization of the event is honoring to God. I don't understand how an event that is focused on trying to get girls to see God before boys can have faint inducing boy bands perform. There are entirely too many pop culture references, and almost none of them relate to our girls. The event is very focused on suburban teens, although not so much that our girls don't love it.
All that aside, though, I think this was the best year yet.
Another thing that made this year so much fun was having so many former God's Girls there that are now teens. It was almost like a reunion with them. Revolve is designed for teen girls, but since Carisa and I lead the pre-teen girls Sunday School class we usually focus on the preteens that go. This year, though, I came to a revelation. For the most part, Revolve is over the heads of our preteens, but our teens are really starting to listen. It was really exciting to watch the teens tune in, and even more exciting to hear their thoughts on things afterwards. Several of them really felt like things that were spoken went straight to their heart.
The preteens were a different story. They spent about as much time in the bathroom during the talks as they spent in their seats. They did have fun, though, so it wasn't a total waste. Still, it was more than just fun for a lot of our teens, which is so exciting.
Realizing this led me to go ahead and decide to buy tickets for next year (you get the best price if you buy them at the tour). While Revolve isn't perfect, it does a pretty good job of reinforcing the things we teach the girls at God's Girls. So, if nothing else, its an amazing reminder that what we taught them wasn't just for the year or two that they were God's Girls, we are talking about their whole lives.
It's also really good for the girls to be in a place with 10,000 other girls who want to live their lives for Christ. In our neighborhood, these girls are often the only ones in their family/school/block trying to live for Christ. At Revolve, for once, they don't feel so alone, weird or out casted. Its a really great encouragement for them.
Revolve was a bigger deal for me this year because of Linda and Bonita. Linda is growing up (big time!) and is already being faced with a lot of choices that I have no control over. She literally has countless boys chasing after her and choosing to follow Christ is becoming harder and harder. I am SO thankful for the friends she has chosen at church, but she still is the one making the choices. I saw her listening and really paying attention this year at Revolve. There was a lot said in talks, in the dramas and even in the lyrics of many of the songs that I am praying will resonate in her mind as she faces challenges I can't even begin to understand. And Bonita; she is coming up right behind Linda. She isn't quite as physically developed as Linda (yet), but I believe that Linda's choices will have a HUGE impact on what path Bonita will follow.
Plus, I really enjoy having all the God's Girls together, they are a wonderful group of girls. Revolve is kind of like a yearly reunion for us. Based on this year, I will focus on inviting as many teens as I can and only a select few of preteens. The tickets are too expensive for girls who are only there for the concerts.
I came home from Revolve relieved, thankful, and hugely burdened. There is so much going on in our church with teen girls getting pregnant and my heart literally started to cry out for these girls. They have to stand strong in ways that none of us can understand. They have internal and external pressures that I can't fathom. They will not make it if they don't trust in the strength of Christ. I literally cried for their hearts, knowing that my tears were expressing the heart of their Father. They are beautiful and so loved...but God will continue to work to develop perseverance in them, and that will not be easy.
In all, the money and time spent was well worth it. God will complete the work He began in them...
And, we had a lot of fun. :)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
We're in New York!!
I only have a few minutes to write but I wanted to let you know that we are in the Bronx, NY on our teen mission trip and so far things are going well. There are definite moments of frustration with teens complaining or not wanting to do what we ask, but there are also amazing moments where you know God is here and He is working. So, overall I would say that this trip is going great!
Here is a general break down of our daily schedule:
8:00 a.m.- Breakfast
8:30 a.m.- Quiet Time
9:15 a.m.- Morning prayer and worship together
10:00 a.m.- Head off to our morning ministries. We are split into 3 different groups and each group does something different each day. We have been to a senior center, prayer walking the neighborhood, doing some light construction or simply asking the Lord where to go and then following His lead (that's been my favorite so far)!!
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 VBS prep
2:30 p.m. Head to the park to do VBS- after VBS we usually hang out with the kids and play at the park for a while.
6:00 p.m. Dinner
Each evening has been different. Our first night here we served dinner at a Homeless Shelter. We had an early evening on Monday night, with no ministry scheduled. Last night we went to the Brooklyn Tabernacle for their weekly prayer meeting. It was INCREDIBLE!! Hundreds of people from all walks of life coming together and just praying. The Holy Spirit was there and we all loved it.
Tonight will be another early night with no ministry planned, and tomorrow night we will be having a cookout for the neighborhood we are staying in.
We end every night spending time in small groups and then worshiping together.
Our focus for this week is listening to the Lord, and I have to admit; I was skeptical that the teens would really get it. Some of them still don't get it, but many are hearing from God loud and clear and its AMAZING!!!
The one struggle we continue to have is distractions. We are very unified as a team, which is amazing, but we also get distracted from the ministry and focus on fun a little too much. So, please be praying that the enemy will not be able to distract us from what God wants to do!!
We are heading back to Philly Saturday night. Friday we will spend the morning doing ministry and then Friday afternoon touring the city. Saturday we will clean and pack and then head to the city for a special surprise before we load into the vans and head home.
We're half way through the week...we'll see what God has left for us!
(Sorry there aren't pictures yet, that just takes too long. I will post some when we get back).
Here is a general break down of our daily schedule:
8:00 a.m.- Breakfast
8:30 a.m.- Quiet Time
9:15 a.m.- Morning prayer and worship together
10:00 a.m.- Head off to our morning ministries. We are split into 3 different groups and each group does something different each day. We have been to a senior center, prayer walking the neighborhood, doing some light construction or simply asking the Lord where to go and then following His lead (that's been my favorite so far)!!
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 VBS prep
2:30 p.m. Head to the park to do VBS- after VBS we usually hang out with the kids and play at the park for a while.
6:00 p.m. Dinner
Each evening has been different. Our first night here we served dinner at a Homeless Shelter. We had an early evening on Monday night, with no ministry scheduled. Last night we went to the Brooklyn Tabernacle for their weekly prayer meeting. It was INCREDIBLE!! Hundreds of people from all walks of life coming together and just praying. The Holy Spirit was there and we all loved it.
Tonight will be another early night with no ministry planned, and tomorrow night we will be having a cookout for the neighborhood we are staying in.
We end every night spending time in small groups and then worshiping together.
Our focus for this week is listening to the Lord, and I have to admit; I was skeptical that the teens would really get it. Some of them still don't get it, but many are hearing from God loud and clear and its AMAZING!!!
The one struggle we continue to have is distractions. We are very unified as a team, which is amazing, but we also get distracted from the ministry and focus on fun a little too much. So, please be praying that the enemy will not be able to distract us from what God wants to do!!
We are heading back to Philly Saturday night. Friday we will spend the morning doing ministry and then Friday afternoon touring the city. Saturday we will clean and pack and then head to the city for a special surprise before we load into the vans and head home.
We're half way through the week...we'll see what God has left for us!
(Sorry there aren't pictures yet, that just takes too long. I will post some when we get back).
Friday, July 18, 2008
What's Going On?
So, I told you about a week ago about a very serious thing going on here in Philly. Well, we are still right in the middle of it, and it's ugly and hard...but all we can seem to do is give God praise. And a 12 year old girl is showing us all what strength and courage really are.
And I was right, this has changed everything. Yet we are seeing beauty come from the ashes.
The city of Philadelphia moved very fast once the allegations were made and by the beginning of this week, the investigation was in full swing. Y was sticking to her guns, her brother had raped her. Her brother (whom we all know and love as well) was insistent that he didn't do anything. The rest of us felt caught in the middle. So, we prayed.
It became a ridiculous game of he said/she said, with so much pain and fear behind the words. Their family was divided, our church was becoming divided. We were all desperate for the truth, but only 2 people had it...and one was lying. So, we prayed.
The brother was threatening to run, convinced he would be sent to jail despite his claims of innocence. He was angry and scared. So we prayed.
Y was scared it would happen again. She hated going home (remember, even her family is divided), and unsure who would stand by her. She was angry and scared. So we prayed.
We cried out to the Lord, simply desperate for the truth. Even a trial with evidence would always leave lingering doubts in out minds. We didn't know how He was going to do it, but we knew that we needed God to bring the truth to light. Then we knew He would bring healing.
We had no idea how good God really is.
On Wednesday the brother decided to face the accusations and tell his side of the story. We all knew someone wasn't telling the truth, he wanted to prove that it wasn't him. He went and talked to the police, persistent in his claims of innocence. He left the police station and waited. Then the Lord stepped in. He heard the voice of the Lord calling him. So the brother sent a text message; "I did it. God told me to tell the truth, and I did it" (Not word for word, I was not the recipient of the text message).
The horrible, ugly, filthy truth had come to light. Only God could have done that.
The brother went back to the police and told the truth. He was guilty. And completely broken. God loves the brother too. He can be healed. The brother is now in jail and a whole new set of challenges lay ahead. We have no idea what comes next, but we know we can trust in the Lord with whatever that is.
Y was incredibly relieved and so much weight has been lifted off of her tiny shoulders. She has a long road of healing ahead of her, but she isn't walking it alone.
This has obviously been so difficult on Y's mother as both parties are her precious children. There are other siblings who feel so lost and confused. Why did this happen? How do we love both our brother and our sister? I can't imagine the pain and the turmoil.
Then there is our church. People who care deeply about Y and her brother. Did we ever really know him? How can we forgive him?
Its all just so much. But we know that God is good. All the time.
And in the midst we just stand in awe of Y. Her strength puts the rest of us to shame. Her honesty has opened the door for so many others to talk about their own pain. More things being brought to light. More healing can begin.
Healing is not easy, nor is it painless. As I write this I have hydrogen peroxide bubbling on a wound, and it stings. Yet, I know its necessary and eventually that wound will barely, if at all, be noticeable.
Please continue to pray. I have learned that my prayers need to be neither long nor eloquent. Our prayers over the last week have consisted of one word: truth. That's what God gave us, and so much more.
Now my prayer is for redemption. To see Him glorified in the ugliest of circumstances and to see His children healed and restored.
Please pray with us.
And I was right, this has changed everything. Yet we are seeing beauty come from the ashes.
The city of Philadelphia moved very fast once the allegations were made and by the beginning of this week, the investigation was in full swing. Y was sticking to her guns, her brother had raped her. Her brother (whom we all know and love as well) was insistent that he didn't do anything. The rest of us felt caught in the middle. So, we prayed.
It became a ridiculous game of he said/she said, with so much pain and fear behind the words. Their family was divided, our church was becoming divided. We were all desperate for the truth, but only 2 people had it...and one was lying. So, we prayed.
The brother was threatening to run, convinced he would be sent to jail despite his claims of innocence. He was angry and scared. So we prayed.
Y was scared it would happen again. She hated going home (remember, even her family is divided), and unsure who would stand by her. She was angry and scared. So we prayed.
We cried out to the Lord, simply desperate for the truth. Even a trial with evidence would always leave lingering doubts in out minds. We didn't know how He was going to do it, but we knew that we needed God to bring the truth to light. Then we knew He would bring healing.
We had no idea how good God really is.
On Wednesday the brother decided to face the accusations and tell his side of the story. We all knew someone wasn't telling the truth, he wanted to prove that it wasn't him. He went and talked to the police, persistent in his claims of innocence. He left the police station and waited. Then the Lord stepped in. He heard the voice of the Lord calling him. So the brother sent a text message; "I did it. God told me to tell the truth, and I did it" (Not word for word, I was not the recipient of the text message).
The horrible, ugly, filthy truth had come to light. Only God could have done that.
The brother went back to the police and told the truth. He was guilty. And completely broken. God loves the brother too. He can be healed. The brother is now in jail and a whole new set of challenges lay ahead. We have no idea what comes next, but we know we can trust in the Lord with whatever that is.
Y was incredibly relieved and so much weight has been lifted off of her tiny shoulders. She has a long road of healing ahead of her, but she isn't walking it alone.
This has obviously been so difficult on Y's mother as both parties are her precious children. There are other siblings who feel so lost and confused. Why did this happen? How do we love both our brother and our sister? I can't imagine the pain and the turmoil.
Then there is our church. People who care deeply about Y and her brother. Did we ever really know him? How can we forgive him?
Its all just so much. But we know that God is good. All the time.
And in the midst we just stand in awe of Y. Her strength puts the rest of us to shame. Her honesty has opened the door for so many others to talk about their own pain. More things being brought to light. More healing can begin.
Healing is not easy, nor is it painless. As I write this I have hydrogen peroxide bubbling on a wound, and it stings. Yet, I know its necessary and eventually that wound will barely, if at all, be noticeable.
Please continue to pray. I have learned that my prayers need to be neither long nor eloquent. Our prayers over the last week have consisted of one word: truth. That's what God gave us, and so much more.
Now my prayer is for redemption. To see Him glorified in the ugliest of circumstances and to see His children healed and restored.
Please pray with us.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Only One Thing Makes Sense Right Now
Worship.
Though, it doesn't make much sense to me that that's the only thing that makes sense.
I have spent the last several days trying to wrap my mind around everything that is going on. That is impossible. In this world, nothing that is happening makes any sense. I have listened to story after story after story after story after story after story after story of young girls who have been raped or sexually abused (yes, that is 7 stories). I have listened to story after story after story after story after story of girls who's parents abuse drugs and alcohol (that would be 4 more stories). Its just so much.
I don't feel like these girls are looking to me for answers, which is a very good thing, because I don't have any. I have tried to find some, but so far I'm empty. I do feel like these girls are looking for someone to listen, to care and to cry with them (you always feel better when someone else is crying too...makes you feel like you're not alone). I haven't been the only one doing that, though, they have been doing it for each other as well.
I think that is the part that is surprising me the most. I guess tragedy does bring people together, and God is uniting so many young women in our church and it is so beautiful to watch.
At the same time, though, Satan is working hard to divide.
I have heard several stories over the last few days about ridiculous rumors going around about me. They honestly don't bother me, they are that ridiculous. Still, others are becoming angry and lashing out at one another. Satan is most definitely at work.
In the midst of all of this I have tried to find answers or at least solace in the Scriptures. Instead, I find a bunch of stuff that doesn't make any sense. This is unusual for me, and was kind of alarming for me at first.
See, I LOVE the Word. (You would think that would lead me to spend more time reading it...you would think...). I especially LOVE the Old Testament. That probably makes me a little weird (especially since I had never even opened to the Old Testament until college), but I'm okay with that. Its not that I don't love the New Testament, I do. But, the Old Testament if full of amazing characters and stories. People I can relate to, people I can learn from. The Old Testament has a ton of people that I can follow from birth to death, I get to see their whole story. I kinda see the Old and New Testaments the opposite from most people. To me, the New Testament has the most instruction and guidelines to follow, while the Old Testament is much more about the story of a God and His people. I just LOVE it!!!
**Quick side note: Bonita and Lindaare up to something right now. I have no idea what it is, but it is making them laugh uncontrollably. I think they're trying to sneak up on me; which is difficult with the laughing. I'll just keep typing and wait for it...
Anyway, knowing how much I love the Word and how 90% of the time, I find everything I need in it, you can see why I have been a little on edge. I have tried and tried to read the word and I get nothing. I'm not captivated by the stories I read. I'm not highlighting and writing down my inner most thoughts on how I am just like (or just the opposite) from the latest character that I have fallen in love with.
For me, if God's Word doesn't make sense, then nothing will. Well, almost...
As I was searching through the Word yesterday (I skipped Sunday School because I was pretty sure it was going to include more stories...ones that I have heard and couldn't bare to listen to again at that moment), I first read about Jacob wrestling with God. Jon, the author of the "Stuff Christians Like" blog that I love, also had a blog called "97 Seconds With God". On that blog a few days ago he was talking about Jacob wrestling with God and Jon says that God actually loved that moment with Jacob because no matter how difficult the battle was, Jacob was close to God. I LOVE that idea and will hold onto it in the future (I wrestle with God way more than I want to admit), but at this point in time, I don't feel like I'm wrestling.
I'm just kinda here.
So, I kept looking. I went to the New Testament (not my usual route, haha) and started reading about Mary and Martha. Mary wasn't wrestling with God, she was just sitting at His feet, listening to Him. The problem there, for me, is that I was trying to listen, but wasn't hearing anything. On I went.
Finally I came to the story of Mary washing Jesus feet with her hair. She was at His feet worshiping Him. For some reason, that made sense to me. So I stopped reading and started to worship. Me, alone in my bedroom with no music or instruments, praising a God that makes no sense to me right now. And I found myself, as I praised His name, no longer lost or confused, but in the arms of my Savior.
I went to church yesterday, and that continued. I didn't get a thing out of the sermon (sorry Bill...not your fault at all...), but I could worship. So I did.
So, that's where I am right now. No answers, but complete trust in a Savior. My Jesus is the same as He was before I heard all of these stories. What else is there to do but praise Him?
**I have discovered what the girls are up to. They were playing with Suki, the only kitten we have left, right outside my door trying to get her to come into my room and scare me. I'm not sure what they were thinking, kittens aren't really scary...but Binita and Linda's hair is terrifying right now from all their rolling on the floor...
Though, it doesn't make much sense to me that that's the only thing that makes sense.
I have spent the last several days trying to wrap my mind around everything that is going on. That is impossible. In this world, nothing that is happening makes any sense. I have listened to story after story after story after story after story after story after story of young girls who have been raped or sexually abused (yes, that is 7 stories). I have listened to story after story after story after story after story of girls who's parents abuse drugs and alcohol (that would be 4 more stories). Its just so much.
I don't feel like these girls are looking to me for answers, which is a very good thing, because I don't have any. I have tried to find some, but so far I'm empty. I do feel like these girls are looking for someone to listen, to care and to cry with them (you always feel better when someone else is crying too...makes you feel like you're not alone). I haven't been the only one doing that, though, they have been doing it for each other as well.
I think that is the part that is surprising me the most. I guess tragedy does bring people together, and God is uniting so many young women in our church and it is so beautiful to watch.
At the same time, though, Satan is working hard to divide.
I have heard several stories over the last few days about ridiculous rumors going around about me. They honestly don't bother me, they are that ridiculous. Still, others are becoming angry and lashing out at one another. Satan is most definitely at work.
In the midst of all of this I have tried to find answers or at least solace in the Scriptures. Instead, I find a bunch of stuff that doesn't make any sense. This is unusual for me, and was kind of alarming for me at first.
See, I LOVE the Word. (You would think that would lead me to spend more time reading it...you would think...). I especially LOVE the Old Testament. That probably makes me a little weird (especially since I had never even opened to the Old Testament until college), but I'm okay with that. Its not that I don't love the New Testament, I do. But, the Old Testament if full of amazing characters and stories. People I can relate to, people I can learn from. The Old Testament has a ton of people that I can follow from birth to death, I get to see their whole story. I kinda see the Old and New Testaments the opposite from most people. To me, the New Testament has the most instruction and guidelines to follow, while the Old Testament is much more about the story of a God and His people. I just LOVE it!!!
**Quick side note: Bonita and Lindaare up to something right now. I have no idea what it is, but it is making them laugh uncontrollably. I think they're trying to sneak up on me; which is difficult with the laughing. I'll just keep typing and wait for it...
Anyway, knowing how much I love the Word and how 90% of the time, I find everything I need in it, you can see why I have been a little on edge. I have tried and tried to read the word and I get nothing. I'm not captivated by the stories I read. I'm not highlighting and writing down my inner most thoughts on how I am just like (or just the opposite) from the latest character that I have fallen in love with.
For me, if God's Word doesn't make sense, then nothing will. Well, almost...
As I was searching through the Word yesterday (I skipped Sunday School because I was pretty sure it was going to include more stories...ones that I have heard and couldn't bare to listen to again at that moment), I first read about Jacob wrestling with God. Jon, the author of the "Stuff Christians Like" blog that I love, also had a blog called "97 Seconds With God". On that blog a few days ago he was talking about Jacob wrestling with God and Jon says that God actually loved that moment with Jacob because no matter how difficult the battle was, Jacob was close to God. I LOVE that idea and will hold onto it in the future (I wrestle with God way more than I want to admit), but at this point in time, I don't feel like I'm wrestling.
I'm just kinda here.
So, I kept looking. I went to the New Testament (not my usual route, haha) and started reading about Mary and Martha. Mary wasn't wrestling with God, she was just sitting at His feet, listening to Him. The problem there, for me, is that I was trying to listen, but wasn't hearing anything. On I went.
Finally I came to the story of Mary washing Jesus feet with her hair. She was at His feet worshiping Him. For some reason, that made sense to me. So I stopped reading and started to worship. Me, alone in my bedroom with no music or instruments, praising a God that makes no sense to me right now. And I found myself, as I praised His name, no longer lost or confused, but in the arms of my Savior.
I went to church yesterday, and that continued. I didn't get a thing out of the sermon (sorry Bill...not your fault at all...), but I could worship. So I did.
So, that's where I am right now. No answers, but complete trust in a Savior. My Jesus is the same as He was before I heard all of these stories. What else is there to do but praise Him?
**I have discovered what the girls are up to. They were playing with Suki, the only kitten we have left, right outside my door trying to get her to come into my room and scare me. I'm not sure what they were thinking, kittens aren't really scary...but Binita and Linda's hair is terrifying right now from all their rolling on the floor...
Friday, July 11, 2008
Good Things are Happening too!!
In the midst of all the chaos going on (please keep praying because this isn't going to end soon), there are a lot of really great things going on here in Philly.
The most exciting, and most fun for me is Reading Rocks. We started our 4th year of Reading Rocks (at least, I think its been 4 years...) last week and this summer is by far the best one we have had yet! In fact, on Tuesday we had 34 kids show up! You can go to the Reading Rocks page on our website (which is linked above) and get some general info on what it is and how it works. I will try and post a more detailed description of it when I get the chance (or I'll just copy and paste Carisa's posts on How Reading Rocks Works...we'll see how lazy I get, hehe). Basically, the kids come in and read books for an hour, earning points which leads to prizes...and everything culminated in an awesome party in August!
One of my favorite parts about Reading Rocks this year has been our teen tutors. Trust me, I have not said that in past years. This year, though, we have some really awesome younger teens who just last year participated in Reading Rocks and are now serving. Its been so great!!
(recognize that teen?!? I'm still not over the fact that she is a teen!!!)
I would have to say that my favorite part about Reading Rocks this year, though, has been Carisa and Shannon. Carisa developed Reading Rocks and she and I have worked together over the last few years to tweak things here and there and try to make it better. Little did we know that what we really needed was Shannon!! This year we have made a lot of really great changes and the three of us have each taken our own role in Reading Rocks, and so far I feel like we are working together like a dream team!! I LOVE working with other people, especially other women (most of the people I work with are men...who are amazing...but they don't quite get me, haha), and especially women I love and respect; so this team is just amazing!! Laurie, another woman on staff that I love and respect, is working with us as well, though she is away for 2 weeks and we miss her!
I mentioned before that last Saturday we also had our annual Block Party. Well, the fruit from that has been incredible! Literally almost half the kids at Kids Club this week were new visitors from the Block Party! We also had a ton of new people at church on Sunday, and at Teen Club last night!! Praise the Lord! I was SO excited when I left Kids Club on Tuesday night with so many new names and faces!!
And finally, Wednesday my roommate Jen and I took a group of 14 teen and preteen girls on an overnight camping trip. Any of you who know me are probably a little surprised, and that's okay...I am too. I am NOT a fan of camping! However, I am a fan of hanging out with awesome teens and getting out of the city, so I decided to go (well, that and they had to have at least 2 leaders go...and there are only 2 teen girl leaders so I didn't have much choice, haha). When someone asked me how the trip went, I responded; "terrible and amazing". Amazing because we had a lot of fun and all the girls were really open and honest about what was going on in their lives. Terrible because a lot of them have some really horrible things going on in their lives.
We spent most of the day Wednesday laughing in the pool, jumping on a trampoline and playing cards. We laughed a lot and all really enjoyed each other. We spent most of Wednesday night pouring out our hearts. As I listened to each girls story, I found myself saying several times, "Lord, I don't know how much more I can listen to". But, they kept talking, so I kept listening. It was incredible to see the honesty come from these girls, and the love and compassion they were showing one another. We all went to sleep exhausted; physically and emotionally.
I didn't get to stay too long on Thursday (I had to leave early to get back in time for Reading Rocks), but I was there for some more intense sharing, crying and praying. It was amazing and terrible all at the same time. I will tell you that I have the privilege of working with some of the strongest and most beautiful girls (soon to be women) in the world. I found that as I listened to them talk, they gave me strength. God is doing amazing things. I can already see the beauty forming out of the ashes. Thank you Lord.
I can honestly say that with everything going on, I have a million questions, and about 3 of them actually have an answer. With that, though, comes Jesus. I can see Him everywhere, working in the midst of even the hardest circumstances. I don't have any answers, but I have Jesus.
I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed (did I mention that I am also leading an AIM trip in 2 weeks, organizing the Teen Leadership Camp in 3 weeks and trying to prepare for the mission trip that is only 5 weeks away; with God's Girls squeezed on the middle?!), but all of that is just constantly taking me back to Jesus. His words, "I will never leave you or forsake you" are really taking root in my life right now.
The most exciting, and most fun for me is Reading Rocks. We started our 4th year of Reading Rocks (at least, I think its been 4 years...) last week and this summer is by far the best one we have had yet! In fact, on Tuesday we had 34 kids show up! You can go to the Reading Rocks page on our website (which is linked above) and get some general info on what it is and how it works. I will try and post a more detailed description of it when I get the chance (or I'll just copy and paste Carisa's posts on How Reading Rocks Works...we'll see how lazy I get, hehe). Basically, the kids come in and read books for an hour, earning points which leads to prizes...and everything culminated in an awesome party in August!
One of my favorite parts about Reading Rocks this year has been our teen tutors. Trust me, I have not said that in past years. This year, though, we have some really awesome younger teens who just last year participated in Reading Rocks and are now serving. Its been so great!!
(recognize that teen?!? I'm still not over the fact that she is a teen!!!)I would have to say that my favorite part about Reading Rocks this year, though, has been Carisa and Shannon. Carisa developed Reading Rocks and she and I have worked together over the last few years to tweak things here and there and try to make it better. Little did we know that what we really needed was Shannon!! This year we have made a lot of really great changes and the three of us have each taken our own role in Reading Rocks, and so far I feel like we are working together like a dream team!! I LOVE working with other people, especially other women (most of the people I work with are men...who are amazing...but they don't quite get me, haha), and especially women I love and respect; so this team is just amazing!! Laurie, another woman on staff that I love and respect, is working with us as well, though she is away for 2 weeks and we miss her!
I mentioned before that last Saturday we also had our annual Block Party. Well, the fruit from that has been incredible! Literally almost half the kids at Kids Club this week were new visitors from the Block Party! We also had a ton of new people at church on Sunday, and at Teen Club last night!! Praise the Lord! I was SO excited when I left Kids Club on Tuesday night with so many new names and faces!!
And finally, Wednesday my roommate Jen and I took a group of 14 teen and preteen girls on an overnight camping trip. Any of you who know me are probably a little surprised, and that's okay...I am too. I am NOT a fan of camping! However, I am a fan of hanging out with awesome teens and getting out of the city, so I decided to go (well, that and they had to have at least 2 leaders go...and there are only 2 teen girl leaders so I didn't have much choice, haha). When someone asked me how the trip went, I responded; "terrible and amazing". Amazing because we had a lot of fun and all the girls were really open and honest about what was going on in their lives. Terrible because a lot of them have some really horrible things going on in their lives.
We spent most of the day Wednesday laughing in the pool, jumping on a trampoline and playing cards. We laughed a lot and all really enjoyed each other. We spent most of Wednesday night pouring out our hearts. As I listened to each girls story, I found myself saying several times, "Lord, I don't know how much more I can listen to". But, they kept talking, so I kept listening. It was incredible to see the honesty come from these girls, and the love and compassion they were showing one another. We all went to sleep exhausted; physically and emotionally.
I didn't get to stay too long on Thursday (I had to leave early to get back in time for Reading Rocks), but I was there for some more intense sharing, crying and praying. It was amazing and terrible all at the same time. I will tell you that I have the privilege of working with some of the strongest and most beautiful girls (soon to be women) in the world. I found that as I listened to them talk, they gave me strength. God is doing amazing things. I can already see the beauty forming out of the ashes. Thank you Lord.
I can honestly say that with everything going on, I have a million questions, and about 3 of them actually have an answer. With that, though, comes Jesus. I can see Him everywhere, working in the midst of even the hardest circumstances. I don't have any answers, but I have Jesus.
I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed (did I mention that I am also leading an AIM trip in 2 weeks, organizing the Teen Leadership Camp in 3 weeks and trying to prepare for the mission trip that is only 5 weeks away; with God's Girls squeezed on the middle?!), but all of that is just constantly taking me back to Jesus. His words, "I will never leave you or forsake you" are really taking root in my life right now.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
This can't be real...
I just did literally the hardest thing I have ever had to do in my life. A 12 year old girl that I am very close to (It is NOT Bonita or Linda) told me that her oldest brother, whom I also know, has been molesting her for the last 6 years. I had to call the authorities. What comes next will change everything.
My mind has been racing with possibilities, and I just shut it down. I don't know if that's okay, but its what I have to do. If I think about what happened to her, I won't be there for her. If I think about what will happen to him, I will make all the wrong decisions. I am so desperate for Jesus.
Praise the Lord for the lady that took the report. She was extremely supportive, encouraging and helpful (I still pray I never have to make that phone call again). I shared everything, and she listened. She brought up things that I hadn't thought of (the possibility of STD's), and when I broke down, she just let me. She cares about this little girl and she has never even met her.
Unfortunately, I don't have much faith in the Philadelphia system, so I have no idea what will happen next. The case will be referred to DHS (Department of Human Services), and we'll see what happens from there. Other things have been going on in the home (drinking, fighting, etc), so I am praising God that (hopefully) these things will be dealt with as well.
If you ask me how I'm doing, I won't have an answer for you. All I can tell you is that I am desperate for Jesus. Sick to my stomach, NOTHING else will even come close, desperate for JESUS. That can't be a bad place to be...
My mind has been racing with possibilities, and I just shut it down. I don't know if that's okay, but its what I have to do. If I think about what happened to her, I won't be there for her. If I think about what will happen to him, I will make all the wrong decisions. I am so desperate for Jesus.
Praise the Lord for the lady that took the report. She was extremely supportive, encouraging and helpful (I still pray I never have to make that phone call again). I shared everything, and she listened. She brought up things that I hadn't thought of (the possibility of STD's), and when I broke down, she just let me. She cares about this little girl and she has never even met her.
Unfortunately, I don't have much faith in the Philadelphia system, so I have no idea what will happen next. The case will be referred to DHS (Department of Human Services), and we'll see what happens from there. Other things have been going on in the home (drinking, fighting, etc), so I am praising God that (hopefully) these things will be dealt with as well.
If you ask me how I'm doing, I won't have an answer for you. All I can tell you is that I am desperate for Jesus. Sick to my stomach, NOTHING else will even come close, desperate for JESUS. That can't be a bad place to be...
Friday, April 25, 2008
Thirteen?!?
I can't believe it, but Pedro is 13 years old! In fact, last night he came to his first Teen Club (and thankfully, he loved it!). I am still just in shock that he is growing up so fast. Last Sunday I took him and several of his friends roller skating to celebrate his birthday. The rink played several games in throughout the time with everyone in the rink. Pedro won every single one!! It was crazy and so much fun!!
Next is Linda, who is turning thirteen on Sunday. Tomorrow night she will be having a sleepover at my house with 10 of her closest friends. I spent my day today cleaning my house and preparing for the party. Tomorrow I will stock the house with preteen girls' party supplies, and stock my bedroom with movies and books. I have promised Linda that I will stay out of her way unless something happens that I need to step in on (not all of her friends are Christians). I'm so excited for her and I really hope everyone has a lot of fun. 4 of the girls at the party are God's Girls (including Linda) and Tasha is invited as well, so almost half of the girls will be God's Girls. I am praying they will be a great witness to the other girls!! I was 12 when my friends first started telling me about Jesus, and most of our best conversations came during sleepovers.
Tomorrow morning my roommate Jen moves the last of her stuff in!! I'm so excited!! She isn't actually sleeping here yet (we figured it probably wasn't the best idea to make her first night one with a lot of giggling girls), but she will be next week. I am SO excited to have a roommate, and especially her! We have been hanging out more and more lately and she is so amazing and wonderful and already a HUGE blessing to me!!
She also brought with her some furniture, including a new living room chair...or I should say, a new Gizmo chair.
Literally, every time I come home, Giz is chillin' in the chair. Of course, if people are around, he has to sit with them. But, if he's home alone, the chair is his.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Expanding my Household
In the last few weeks or so I have been feeling like God is moving me toward something big. I had no idea what it was, but I knew something was coming. You ever get that feeling? Its the same kinda feeling I get while waiting in line for a roller coaster. Over the last few weeks, I have been waiting in line.
As I have been praying and reading the bible during this time, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on what God has called me to in my life here in Philadelphia. I have gone back through old journals and learned a lot about myself. What I have discovered is that my favorite part about my life in Philly is my "Philly Family". That includes my 9 Godchildren, but extends far beyond that. I LOVE opening my home to kids and teens and having a warm, safe and loving place for them to come. Over and over again kids and teens comment on how amazing my house is. (In reality, its nothing special. Its 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a total of 840 square feet...not much there!)
Several things have happened in the last week to reinforce this in me. First, Bonita and Linda brought a friend to church on Sunday that ended up coming over to my house and staying for a few hours with us. She is not a believer and started the morning very resistant to the church. She only came because Linda begged her. By the end of the day, she could not stop talking about how great my house was and how she wants to come to church with us every Sunday (I'm about to need a bus, haha). Linda told me that she went home and went on and on to her mom about how wonderful my house was and how great she felt when she was here.
The second thing came with one of my favorite teens, T. Her family has been talking about moving out of the city and she doesn't want to go. She had a long conversation with her mom about how I could take care of her and that she would really love to live with me!! (I seriously doubt this will happen, but just her desire to live with me is mind blowing!)
Thirdly, Monique and Tasha are most definitely a permanent fixture in my life, mush like Bonita and Linda. They have become like Bonita and Linda's sisters and I am LOVING having them as a part of our family. They spend the night whenever Bonita and Linda do and more often than not the 4 girls are all together when they are with me. This has posed a slight problem in the house as I am running out of room to house all these girls. (Especially as they get older and taller!)
And finally, I spent time reading through my journals from 4 years ago when the kids lived with me, and I felt then that my home was becoming a huge part of my ministry. I am not talking about opening my doors to the neighborhood. I am talking about inviting people (kids and teens) into my home...where they will find love, nurturing, peace and a real place for them.
So, I started praying specifically for my home. I have a roommate moving in with me in May, leaving me with even less room, but a wonderful partner in ministry. She is an AMAZING woman of God with the same heart that I have for the kids and teens. Her desire is also to bring people into our home. So, we both started praying about what God wants to do.
I prayed through possibly moving into a bigger home, but I have always felt called to the home I am in now. And, a lot of time and energy has been put into my home, as well as prayer. Christians have lived here for over 6 years and it is a well known light on the block. As annoyed as I get at times, I have no real desire to leave my block.
That's when God blew me away. One day as I was coming home from the gym, I looked up at the abandoned house next door to me and heard the Lord say, "That is my house". ("my" as is God's house). I stared at it a bit more and quickly began to see my house expanded. I felt the Lord saying that He is going to rebuild those walls as a sanctuary for kids and teens. So, I claimed the house in Jesus name and told God I would do whatever He called me to!
The sense that I have about this house is overwhelming, I can't seem to shake it...and believe me I have tried. This house has been abandoned since I have lived here, which means its probably a horrible disaster inside. It probably has a lot of structural problems as well...and I won't even get started on the trash in the backyard. Frank Hinson told me that I am probably looking at at least $50,000 to make the house livable. Do I have that? Not even close!! Does God have that?? He has that and SO MUCH MORE!! (And I feel very strongly that God is NOT calling me to go into debt as a result of this).
I also have NO skill when it comes to construction nor do I want to rely on the people here that do...so this is a HUGE undertaking. Thankfully, God started it, and He promises to bring it to completion. My desire is to take every step that He calls me to, and no others. This HAS to be all Him, I can't do any of it.
The first step is actually getting the house. I mailed a letter to the owners (who live in Philly and have owned the house since 1991). There are so many possibilities. If there are leans on the house, then I would be expected to pay those if I took ownership. The house isn't worth much at all in its current condition, but there are so many other factors.
So, please pray with me through this step!! God can move hearts and money...and I need Him to do both!!
From there, I need to find money and workers...permits and who knows what else. Thankfully, the Lord DOES know, and He already has a plan for those things.
So, what is my desire for this house? Well, as Jen and I have been praying, we have prayed for several things. Several bedrooms for kids to come and have beds, closets, dressers...a place that feels like home. A school room where kids can come and get help with homework, and computers to help with that. A large dining room where we can have family dinners (and I can teach table manners!). A kids area where the kids can take ownership of things. I want my home to be their home.
The house has been abandoned by its owners and seemingly almost forgotten, yet God has an amazing plan for it. I believe that His desire is for that house to be a testimony to all that He has a plan for them as well. Not matter how banged up or disgusting you are inside, God can restore you to complete beauty. And, He has never and will never abandon you.
Many of these things could be provided my just having another house, but the whole point of this is to emphasize family...that we are a family. My desire is that these kids are accepted, loved, cared for, protected, nurtured and have a place where they belong. I believe God is calling me to do that in my home...and thus He is calling me to expand my home.
I will be sharing more about this throughout the process and especially in my next newsletter, so stay tuned!!
My current home
My future Home!!
As I have been praying and reading the bible during this time, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on what God has called me to in my life here in Philadelphia. I have gone back through old journals and learned a lot about myself. What I have discovered is that my favorite part about my life in Philly is my "Philly Family". That includes my 9 Godchildren, but extends far beyond that. I LOVE opening my home to kids and teens and having a warm, safe and loving place for them to come. Over and over again kids and teens comment on how amazing my house is. (In reality, its nothing special. Its 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and a total of 840 square feet...not much there!)
Several things have happened in the last week to reinforce this in me. First, Bonita and Linda brought a friend to church on Sunday that ended up coming over to my house and staying for a few hours with us. She is not a believer and started the morning very resistant to the church. She only came because Linda begged her. By the end of the day, she could not stop talking about how great my house was and how she wants to come to church with us every Sunday (I'm about to need a bus, haha). Linda told me that she went home and went on and on to her mom about how wonderful my house was and how great she felt when she was here.
The second thing came with one of my favorite teens, T. Her family has been talking about moving out of the city and she doesn't want to go. She had a long conversation with her mom about how I could take care of her and that she would really love to live with me!! (I seriously doubt this will happen, but just her desire to live with me is mind blowing!)
Thirdly, Monique and Tasha are most definitely a permanent fixture in my life, mush like Bonita and Linda. They have become like Bonita and Linda's sisters and I am LOVING having them as a part of our family. They spend the night whenever Bonita and Linda do and more often than not the 4 girls are all together when they are with me. This has posed a slight problem in the house as I am running out of room to house all these girls. (Especially as they get older and taller!)
And finally, I spent time reading through my journals from 4 years ago when the kids lived with me, and I felt then that my home was becoming a huge part of my ministry. I am not talking about opening my doors to the neighborhood. I am talking about inviting people (kids and teens) into my home...where they will find love, nurturing, peace and a real place for them.
So, I started praying specifically for my home. I have a roommate moving in with me in May, leaving me with even less room, but a wonderful partner in ministry. She is an AMAZING woman of God with the same heart that I have for the kids and teens. Her desire is also to bring people into our home. So, we both started praying about what God wants to do.
I prayed through possibly moving into a bigger home, but I have always felt called to the home I am in now. And, a lot of time and energy has been put into my home, as well as prayer. Christians have lived here for over 6 years and it is a well known light on the block. As annoyed as I get at times, I have no real desire to leave my block.
That's when God blew me away. One day as I was coming home from the gym, I looked up at the abandoned house next door to me and heard the Lord say, "That is my house". ("my" as is God's house). I stared at it a bit more and quickly began to see my house expanded. I felt the Lord saying that He is going to rebuild those walls as a sanctuary for kids and teens. So, I claimed the house in Jesus name and told God I would do whatever He called me to!
The sense that I have about this house is overwhelming, I can't seem to shake it...and believe me I have tried. This house has been abandoned since I have lived here, which means its probably a horrible disaster inside. It probably has a lot of structural problems as well...and I won't even get started on the trash in the backyard. Frank Hinson told me that I am probably looking at at least $50,000 to make the house livable. Do I have that? Not even close!! Does God have that?? He has that and SO MUCH MORE!! (And I feel very strongly that God is NOT calling me to go into debt as a result of this).
I also have NO skill when it comes to construction nor do I want to rely on the people here that do...so this is a HUGE undertaking. Thankfully, God started it, and He promises to bring it to completion. My desire is to take every step that He calls me to, and no others. This HAS to be all Him, I can't do any of it.
The first step is actually getting the house. I mailed a letter to the owners (who live in Philly and have owned the house since 1991). There are so many possibilities. If there are leans on the house, then I would be expected to pay those if I took ownership. The house isn't worth much at all in its current condition, but there are so many other factors.
So, please pray with me through this step!! God can move hearts and money...and I need Him to do both!!
From there, I need to find money and workers...permits and who knows what else. Thankfully, the Lord DOES know, and He already has a plan for those things.
So, what is my desire for this house? Well, as Jen and I have been praying, we have prayed for several things. Several bedrooms for kids to come and have beds, closets, dressers...a place that feels like home. A school room where kids can come and get help with homework, and computers to help with that. A large dining room where we can have family dinners (and I can teach table manners!). A kids area where the kids can take ownership of things. I want my home to be their home.
The house has been abandoned by its owners and seemingly almost forgotten, yet God has an amazing plan for it. I believe that His desire is for that house to be a testimony to all that He has a plan for them as well. Not matter how banged up or disgusting you are inside, God can restore you to complete beauty. And, He has never and will never abandon you.
Many of these things could be provided my just having another house, but the whole point of this is to emphasize family...that we are a family. My desire is that these kids are accepted, loved, cared for, protected, nurtured and have a place where they belong. I believe God is calling me to do that in my home...and thus He is calling me to expand my home.
I will be sharing more about this throughout the process and especially in my next newsletter, so stay tuned!!
PLEASE be praying!!! This is definitely something that ONLY God can do! I have been reading a lot in Nehemiah about the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. It seemed to be an impossible task, and many didn't want to be a part of it. However, God's grace through Nehemiah made the impossible happen...but only with the help of the people of Jerusalem. So, I am asking for your help! God desires AMAZING things and wants to lavish His love and power on us. Let's let Him!!!
The Abandoned House
My current home
My future Home!!Thursday, April 10, 2008
Its late...or early...
Yes, you are reading the time correctly...its 2 a.m. and I am still up. Actually, I am going to bed soon but I wanted to write a little bit. This week has been SO busy and there has been so much going on. My blog is often my place to debrief and reflect on things and I find that the busier the week, the more I need to debrief.
Unfortunately, so much has been going on, spiritually I feel all over the place. Okay, honestly, I am struggling. A lot. I had to make a really tough decision this week, and I am still not sure if I made the right one. I definitely sought the Lord in it and made the decision that I believe is right. But, only time will tell. More on that later...
I've also been battling with the Lord a lot this week, through my own failures and heartache as well as those around me. I promise to share more on that later as well...I just need time to process, and since its 2 a.m. and this is my first chance to sit down...well, the processing hasn't happened yet.
Activity wise this week has been really great. I have worked a ridiculous amount of hours (I'm already over 40 hours), but its all been so good. Elizabeth and I are splitting the responsibility of leading the AIM group and its been working well with my schedule. I am still able to do my normal AIM work from 9-2 each day (Elizabeth is with the group in the mornings). Then I head to the VBS that they are leading from 3-5. I have been able to take some kids with me as well, which is always fun. After VBS I head to my Cornerstone evening ministry. After that is over I head back to the AIM group for evening debrief and worship. It has been GREAT to end every day with worship!!!
Monday was also full of a lot of turmoil as I faced a really tough decision (the one I alluded to earlier). My heart was heavy all day and just really took its toll on me, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Tuesday brought a few surprises. First, I decided at the last minute to change my Kids Club lesson. I got the lesson prepared in time, but after I finished teaching it I thought it was the worst lesson I have ever done. I don't know if that's really true, but that's how it felt. As I was finishing my lesson prep, I got a phone call from one of the kids (9 years old) saying that she had come home from school and no one was home. So, I went and picked her up and spent the afternoon with her. Well, she really just tagged along wherever I went, but we had fun together. We got to go see one of the teens (and God's Girl), T, play in a softball game, which was great. Actually, another teen, P, is in her team as well. They are both God's Girls and I love them! It was really cool because T was the pitcher and P was the catcher. I was REALLY proud of T as I watched her really step up as a leader on the team. She is by far the best player on the team, but doesn't act like it, and she spent the entire game encouraging the rest of the team. It was obvious that her entire team loves and respects her, which is amazing. I didn't stay for the whole game, so when I saw her later I asked if they won the game. She said, "No, but I don't think thats important. Whats important is that we played well, and we did that, so I was proud of my team". Isn't she amazing?!?
Also on Tuesday I got a phone call from one of the teens who had the electricity turned off in her house (a mistake of the electric company, and its already back on). She asked if she and her 3 year old sister could spend the night, and I said yes. My house is not really equipped for 3 year olds, but we survived and managed to have fun! The 3 year old was born addicted to crack (she is adopted) and it was very interesting spending time with her and watching her developmental issues. I don't know a lot about toddlers, but I know that she is different. It really made me think about the possibility of becoming a foster parent to crack babies...they need so much love and attention that few people actually give them, especially in a hospital. Don't worry, I haven't signed up yet, but it got me thinking. She was wild, but I really enjoyed her!
The bright side of Kids Club was that we had a ton of leaders there and they were all awesome! I have always heard it said that you can't grow until you have the leaders in place to deal with the growth. Well, we definitely have the leaders, so I am praying for the growth! We have a lot of teen leaders, and sometimes they are more teenagers than they are leaders. This week, though, they were all amazing and so helpful! I really enjoyed them!! And, I always enjoy the kids. :)
I didn't take the teen and her sister home until after noon today, and then had to spend some time cleaning up (although much more cleaning will be necessary this weekend. Let's pray I can get motivated to actually do it!). I went to VBS again and this time took Bonita, Monique and Tasha. We laughed a lot!! Prayer Pals was also a BLAST tonight! We only had 5 kids there, and that turned out to be a blessing. All of the kids had their letters finished by around 6:30, so we went outside (it was warm!) and played a group game (with me and the other leader, Harry) for the rest of the time. We all laughed a lot and had a really good time!!
After Prayer Pals I headed to our Girls' Prayer Night and that continues to blow me away with how amazing its going. Tonight we decorated our own prayer journals (I will post pictures on Phanfare this weekend!) and in the coming weeks we will be sharing things that we write in them. We already had a huge prayer request answered this week and were all so excited to thank God for it! We spend the first part of the night doing an activity (we alternate weekly between crafty things and exercise things...next week is Tae Bo!). After that we spend some time in prayer. I am seeing the girls grow so much! They are becoming more open with each other, and with the Lord. Its draining to be out so late so many nights of the week, but its totally worth it!!
To top all of that off, the AIM trip is going really well. The team is working hard, growing and learning a lot and really blessing me as they share how God is changing their hearts. And, they are a really really fun group! So, while I don't like getting home after midnight EVERY night, I'm at least spending that time with people that I really enjoy. :)
Tomorrow will be another busy day, but its the last day of the AIM group. Tomorrow afternoon I am going to watch the Jones vs. Conwell girls softball game. Jones and Conwell are both middle schools in the area, and are huge rivals. The cool thing is that we have teens (and former God's Girls) on both teams! Normally, that would mean we should be ready for a fight (seriously, these schools hate each other). But, our amazing girls are excited to have God's Girls on both sides and are already encouraging one another. I'm so excited to go to the game!
Friday will be a MUCH more low key day with just my normal AIM stuff (the group will be leaving early in the morning). I am taking one of the teens shopping for her prom dress, but that should be a lot of fun. Saturday will be low key as well. Jen (my future roommate) and I are speaking to her church's college group Saturday night, and we are taking T with us. Jen is using it as a support raising time, and I am going to support her and share more about what God's doing in Kensington. And, we both just want to hang out with T. :) So, I plan on sleeping until I wake up Saturday and then just getting things done from there. At this rate, it will probably be waking up just in time to leave for the church. As wonderful as this week is, I miss sleeping!!
Unfortunately, so much has been going on, spiritually I feel all over the place. Okay, honestly, I am struggling. A lot. I had to make a really tough decision this week, and I am still not sure if I made the right one. I definitely sought the Lord in it and made the decision that I believe is right. But, only time will tell. More on that later...
I've also been battling with the Lord a lot this week, through my own failures and heartache as well as those around me. I promise to share more on that later as well...I just need time to process, and since its 2 a.m. and this is my first chance to sit down...well, the processing hasn't happened yet.
Activity wise this week has been really great. I have worked a ridiculous amount of hours (I'm already over 40 hours), but its all been so good. Elizabeth and I are splitting the responsibility of leading the AIM group and its been working well with my schedule. I am still able to do my normal AIM work from 9-2 each day (Elizabeth is with the group in the mornings). Then I head to the VBS that they are leading from 3-5. I have been able to take some kids with me as well, which is always fun. After VBS I head to my Cornerstone evening ministry. After that is over I head back to the AIM group for evening debrief and worship. It has been GREAT to end every day with worship!!!
Monday was also full of a lot of turmoil as I faced a really tough decision (the one I alluded to earlier). My heart was heavy all day and just really took its toll on me, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Tuesday brought a few surprises. First, I decided at the last minute to change my Kids Club lesson. I got the lesson prepared in time, but after I finished teaching it I thought it was the worst lesson I have ever done. I don't know if that's really true, but that's how it felt. As I was finishing my lesson prep, I got a phone call from one of the kids (9 years old) saying that she had come home from school and no one was home. So, I went and picked her up and spent the afternoon with her. Well, she really just tagged along wherever I went, but we had fun together. We got to go see one of the teens (and God's Girl), T, play in a softball game, which was great. Actually, another teen, P, is in her team as well. They are both God's Girls and I love them! It was really cool because T was the pitcher and P was the catcher. I was REALLY proud of T as I watched her really step up as a leader on the team. She is by far the best player on the team, but doesn't act like it, and she spent the entire game encouraging the rest of the team. It was obvious that her entire team loves and respects her, which is amazing. I didn't stay for the whole game, so when I saw her later I asked if they won the game. She said, "No, but I don't think thats important. Whats important is that we played well, and we did that, so I was proud of my team". Isn't she amazing?!?
Also on Tuesday I got a phone call from one of the teens who had the electricity turned off in her house (a mistake of the electric company, and its already back on). She asked if she and her 3 year old sister could spend the night, and I said yes. My house is not really equipped for 3 year olds, but we survived and managed to have fun! The 3 year old was born addicted to crack (she is adopted) and it was very interesting spending time with her and watching her developmental issues. I don't know a lot about toddlers, but I know that she is different. It really made me think about the possibility of becoming a foster parent to crack babies...they need so much love and attention that few people actually give them, especially in a hospital. Don't worry, I haven't signed up yet, but it got me thinking. She was wild, but I really enjoyed her!
The bright side of Kids Club was that we had a ton of leaders there and they were all awesome! I have always heard it said that you can't grow until you have the leaders in place to deal with the growth. Well, we definitely have the leaders, so I am praying for the growth! We have a lot of teen leaders, and sometimes they are more teenagers than they are leaders. This week, though, they were all amazing and so helpful! I really enjoyed them!! And, I always enjoy the kids. :)
I didn't take the teen and her sister home until after noon today, and then had to spend some time cleaning up (although much more cleaning will be necessary this weekend. Let's pray I can get motivated to actually do it!). I went to VBS again and this time took Bonita, Monique and Tasha. We laughed a lot!! Prayer Pals was also a BLAST tonight! We only had 5 kids there, and that turned out to be a blessing. All of the kids had their letters finished by around 6:30, so we went outside (it was warm!) and played a group game (with me and the other leader, Harry) for the rest of the time. We all laughed a lot and had a really good time!!
After Prayer Pals I headed to our Girls' Prayer Night and that continues to blow me away with how amazing its going. Tonight we decorated our own prayer journals (I will post pictures on Phanfare this weekend!) and in the coming weeks we will be sharing things that we write in them. We already had a huge prayer request answered this week and were all so excited to thank God for it! We spend the first part of the night doing an activity (we alternate weekly between crafty things and exercise things...next week is Tae Bo!). After that we spend some time in prayer. I am seeing the girls grow so much! They are becoming more open with each other, and with the Lord. Its draining to be out so late so many nights of the week, but its totally worth it!!
To top all of that off, the AIM trip is going really well. The team is working hard, growing and learning a lot and really blessing me as they share how God is changing their hearts. And, they are a really really fun group! So, while I don't like getting home after midnight EVERY night, I'm at least spending that time with people that I really enjoy. :)
Tomorrow will be another busy day, but its the last day of the AIM group. Tomorrow afternoon I am going to watch the Jones vs. Conwell girls softball game. Jones and Conwell are both middle schools in the area, and are huge rivals. The cool thing is that we have teens (and former God's Girls) on both teams! Normally, that would mean we should be ready for a fight (seriously, these schools hate each other). But, our amazing girls are excited to have God's Girls on both sides and are already encouraging one another. I'm so excited to go to the game!
Friday will be a MUCH more low key day with just my normal AIM stuff (the group will be leaving early in the morning). I am taking one of the teens shopping for her prom dress, but that should be a lot of fun. Saturday will be low key as well. Jen (my future roommate) and I are speaking to her church's college group Saturday night, and we are taking T with us. Jen is using it as a support raising time, and I am going to support her and share more about what God's doing in Kensington. And, we both just want to hang out with T. :) So, I plan on sleeping until I wake up Saturday and then just getting things done from there. At this rate, it will probably be waking up just in time to leave for the church. As wonderful as this week is, I miss sleeping!!
Friday, March 21, 2008
Teen Sleepover!!
For years in our teen ministry (at least since my involvement with the teens) there has been an awesome community among the guys and little to none among the girls. I have been praying for years that we would see the growth among the girls that we have been seeing in the guys.
Well, recently God has been answering that prayer in a big way!! Many of our teen girls are seeking God with all their hearts and growing incredibly. And as they grow individually, they are growing as a community of sisters as well. Its so wonderful!
On Tuesday night after Kids Club I had a sleepover with several of the girls at church (they are on Spring Break), and we had SO MUCH FUN!! The girls stayed up pretty much all night laughing, talking and doing each others' hair.
I expected them to want to go home pretty early the next day, but none of them wanted to. So, we got up (most of us pretty late since we stayed up so late) and went to lunch together. After lunch I had work to do (this was the one day that my AIM computer actually worked) but the girls still wanted to stay, so they hung out in my living room talking and laughing while I worked. It was great!!! The girls range in age from 13-18, yet they all got along and had fun together.
That night we headed to Jen's parents' house for a barbecue and to talk with a missionary from Kenya. We had a really great time there as well and left really encouraged.
I didn't drop the last girl off until midnight, meaning that we had all spent over 24 hours straight together. The crazy part is, they all want to do it again as soon as possible!! :)
Well, recently God has been answering that prayer in a big way!! Many of our teen girls are seeking God with all their hearts and growing incredibly. And as they grow individually, they are growing as a community of sisters as well. Its so wonderful!
On Tuesday night after Kids Club I had a sleepover with several of the girls at church (they are on Spring Break), and we had SO MUCH FUN!! The girls stayed up pretty much all night laughing, talking and doing each others' hair.
I expected them to want to go home pretty early the next day, but none of them wanted to. So, we got up (most of us pretty late since we stayed up so late) and went to lunch together. After lunch I had work to do (this was the one day that my AIM computer actually worked) but the girls still wanted to stay, so they hung out in my living room talking and laughing while I worked. It was great!!! The girls range in age from 13-18, yet they all got along and had fun together.
That night we headed to Jen's parents' house for a barbecue and to talk with a missionary from Kenya. We had a really great time there as well and left really encouraged.I didn't drop the last girl off until midnight, meaning that we had all spent over 24 hours straight together. The crazy part is, they all want to do it again as soon as possible!! :)
Monday, March 17, 2008
A Big Update!!
Unfortunately, I do not have good news to report (at least in terms of my computer). We found out that the problem has actually not been with the hard drive, but instead the motherboard of the computer. In other bad news, its apparently cheaper to buy a whole new lap top than it is to fix the mother board. Thankfully, AIM is sending me a laptop that I can use until I can replace mine. The laptop hasn't arrived yet, but it will hopefully be here tomorrow!!!
Since it has been almost a week since my last update (which I think is a record for me when I'm in town), here are some highlights from the last few days.
* Last Wednesday night we had an AMAZING Girls' Prayer Group. We spent time baking and laughing, then reading the word and praying. It was incredible!!! We are seeing amazing growth among the teen girls recently and it has been so wonderful to be a part of! We have been praying for years for revival among the girls, and its happening!!
* Saturday I took Tasha and A to Build-A-Bear! A just turned 5 and Tasha just turned 9 and I wanted to do something special for their birthday. We all had so much fun! Build-A-Bear is exactly what it sounds like, the kids get to build their own teddy bear. Here it is in pictures:
First, you pick a "bear" (they have all kinds of animals).
Next, you can pick a sound (A got a monkey sound for his monkey, Tasha picked a lullaby).
Then you go to stuff your bear. But first, you pick out a heart for your bear. They have you rub it over your heart to fill it with love, on your muscles so it will be strong, on your head so it can be smart, etc. This was one of the kids' favorite parts.
From the ice cream party we took A home and then picked up Bonita, Linda and Monique for a sleepover. One of the teens, Kirsten, spent the weekend at my house and agreed to watch the
Since it has been almost a week since my last update (which I think is a record for me when I'm in town), here are some highlights from the last few days.
* Last Wednesday night we had an AMAZING Girls' Prayer Group. We spent time baking and laughing, then reading the word and praying. It was incredible!!! We are seeing amazing growth among the teen girls recently and it has been so wonderful to be a part of! We have been praying for years for revival among the girls, and its happening!!
* Saturday I took Tasha and A to Build-A-Bear! A just turned 5 and Tasha just turned 9 and I wanted to do something special for their birthday. We all had so much fun! Build-A-Bear is exactly what it sounds like, the kids get to build their own teddy bear. Here it is in pictures:
First, you pick a "bear" (they have all kinds of animals).
Next, you can pick a sound (A got a monkey sound for his monkey, Tasha picked a lullaby).
Then you go to stuff your bear. But first, you pick out a heart for your bear. They have you rub it over your heart to fill it with love, on your muscles so it will be strong, on your head so it can be smart, etc. This was one of the kids' favorite parts.
After the bear is stuffed, it gets a shower.
Then you pick out an outfit and dress it.
Finally, you print out its birth certificate and you are ready to go!!
Tasha (who's full name is Natasha) named her bear Latasha. A named his monkey after himself.
After Build-A-Bear we walked around the mall for a while and then headed to church for an ice cream party. Again, we had a ton of fun...and tried to keep the bears clean.
From the ice cream party we took A home and then picked up Bonita, Linda and Monique for a sleepover. One of the teens, Kirsten, spent the weekend at my house and agreed to watch the
girls for a few hours while I babysat Paxton and Kyler; Frank and Carisa's sons. I hadn't babysat them in months and I was so excited!!
So, after I got the girls settled I headed to the Hinsons for a fun night, and the boys did not disappoint!! Kyler (who is almost 2) kinda did his own thing, pausing occasionally to destroy whatever Paxton and I were working on (which thankfully made Paxton laugh, so there was no complaining or arguing!). Paxton and I had a blast playing games and I barely noticed that 2 hours had gone by. Pax and I are pretty close (he's pretty much the coolest kid ever), so I LOVED hanging out with him.
I came home from a fun night to find my house in chaos and destruction. However, less than 20 minutes after I walked through the door everything was back as it should be. The girls actually went to bed pretty early, though they did manage to get a lot of make up time in before bed.
* Sunday morning I led Sunday School (Carisa was out of town) and it actually went well! We were talking about Anger, which turned out to be very appropriate as one girls stormed into class very angry with her mom, and Bonita and Linda got into a big fight as well. Monique shared a lot and I was so excited that she opened up. It helped me understand her so much more, she really is such an amazing little girl.
Church went well and although I usually go out to lunch with the kids after, Build-A-Bear pretty much broke me so I just took the kids home. I didn't do much else on Sunday other than lead Prayer Pals. Paxton was the only kid that came, so really I just got to hang out with him more (which was again very fun).
* Sunday night and into today I stayed over at my friend Jen's house. Her husband is out of town and she has a small baby and she just feels more comfortable having someone else in the house. We don't get to hang out much and we had a BLAST! We talked a lot, laughed a lot and it was just so encouraging...plus her daughter is pretty stinkin' cute as well. I actually stayed over there most of the morning today as well.
* This afternoon I met with a woman at church who is a counselor. It has come to light recently that several teen girls that I am close to have been raped or sexually abused. They all are seeking help and wanting God to heal them, and we are really praying that this woman can help. The meeting went GREAT and we left so encouraged and excited about what God is going to do!!
* Finally, tonight was God Squad...and it was AWESOME!! My small group consisted of 6 girls, 5 of whom are God's Girls, which was so fun and encouraging. God really is doing some amazing things among the teen girls and I am continually blown away by them...and Him!! One girl in the group (one of the God's Girls) was telling us that her teacher had her class do a project where they had to make up their own religion; including what objects they would worship (a.k.a. idols). We had just talked about the stories of Daniel and the Lion's Den and Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego last week in God Squad, and she remembered what we talked about. So, she went to her teacher and told him that there was only one true God and she could not participate in pretending any differently, so she could not do the project. Her teacher protested at first, but she stood firm and even had her mom write a note saying that this project was against what she believed. He finally relented and allowed her to do a different project. I am SO proud of her!!! (At one point the teacher threatened to give her an "F" for not doing the project, and she said she would take that over idolatry. Woohoo!!).
Tomorrow night at Kids' Club we are talking about Jesus' death and resurrection (wonder why??) and I am pretty nervous about the lesson. I have no idea what I'm going to teach! :) After Kids' Club I'm having a bunch of the teens over for a sleepover (they are on Spring Break from school...and I have apparently decided that sleep is not a necessity). On Wednesday night we (meaning me and the teen girls) are heading to a friends' house for a Barbecue and a missionary from Kenya is going to talk to us about her life and faith (and she's a single female missionary...woohoo!!).
I'm really trying to get my newsletter finished this week as well. I had planned on getting it done last week, but my lack of computer was a big problem. I feel like I am really behind on so many things (because of my computer issues), and all of them will have to be caught up soon (including several weeks of work). So, I have a feeling that the next few weeks are going to be pretty busy, but I'm trying not to think too much about it and just go with the flow. Besides, while things are busy and so many discouraging things are happening, I KNOW that God is up to something amazing (isn't He always?!?!), so I definitely can't complain (or atleast, I shouldn't, haha). :)
Thursday, February 14, 2008
I Choose Encouragement
Today was actually a pretty discouraging day. From disheartening news about several teens, to even more disheartening experiences with other teens, I really could go to bed discouraged. However, some really encouraging things happened as well. Tonight I am choosing to focus on the encouraging things, and I am excited to share them!!
Most of my encouragement revolves around Bonita. I spent a lot of time with her yesterday (obviously) and she said several things that really made my heart smile.
Bonita: What should I do?
Trish: The best thing you can do is pray for them.
Bonita: I pray every night!
Trish: Really? What do you pray for?
Bonita: Linda and I pray together every night. First we sing a song together, one we learned at camp. When we finish the song we count to 10 and then I pray. After I pray, we count to 5 and then Linda prays. After that we say "And God, all the things we forgot, we know you got them so we just pray for that too". Then we go to sleep.
Trish: Wow, that's awesome Bonita. I am so proud of you!!!
(Incidentally...I have no idea why they find it necessary to count before they pray, but I love it!)
Later....
Zuley: Trish, you know its bad luck to leave your purse on the floor
Bonita: Zuley, we don't believe in luck, we believe in God. :)
And finally (this conversation happened in spanish and was translated to me)...
Maria (Bonita's Mom) : Bonita, why isn't Miss Trish married yet?
Bonita: She's waiting for the man that God has for her.
Short pause...
Bonita: Mommy...I am too.
I got a phone call this morning from Bonita and Linda's mom saying that she needed to take Linda to the doctor and needed somewhere for Bonita to go (the poor girl was still in the bloody clothes from yesterday! She was so exhausted when she came home she went straight to bed!).
So, I went over and picked Bonita up and brought her to my house while Linda went to the doctor. (Guys don't read this part...Linda has apparently had her period for over a month straight, which is not good. The poor girl just started her period 2 months ago and didn't realize how abnormal a month long period is!)I had to work this morning, so Bonita took a shower and then ended up falling asleep while watching TV. I usually listen to music or have Law and Order on for background noise while I work...today I had Spongebob Squarepants, haha. I LOVED it!! :) Bonita and Giz were so sweet and so cute!!!
This afternoon I got to hang out with some of my favorite kids in the world at after-school. The program is run by students at PBU, so I just got to go and hang out with the kids...and had so much fun. Tasha performed a toothpaste commercial for me, and every kid told me all about their Valentine's Day. They had me smiling and laughing the whole time; which is a feat because I was exhausted!!!
Finally, at Teen Club we played a really fun game that made me laugh a lot. Its called "Funny Bones". You get a partner and pick a card. The card will say something like "Ear bone to Shoulder bone", and one person must put their ear on the other person's shoulder, with the card in the middle. So, once you drop a card your team is out. Its a little touchy feely for me (which is why I never play, haha) but I really enjoy watching it!!
Finally, I don't like to play matchmaker (especially with teens), but I have to confess that I did have a strong hand in making this "pair" happen:
(That's Luis with one of my favorite girls in the world!! I couldn't help myself...they're just so cute!).
Most of my encouragement revolves around Bonita. I spent a lot of time with her yesterday (obviously) and she said several things that really made my heart smile.
Bonita: What should I do?
Trish: The best thing you can do is pray for them.
Bonita: I pray every night!
Trish: Really? What do you pray for?
Bonita: Linda and I pray together every night. First we sing a song together, one we learned at camp. When we finish the song we count to 10 and then I pray. After I pray, we count to 5 and then Linda prays. After that we say "And God, all the things we forgot, we know you got them so we just pray for that too". Then we go to sleep.
Trish: Wow, that's awesome Bonita. I am so proud of you!!!
(Incidentally...I have no idea why they find it necessary to count before they pray, but I love it!)
Later....
Zuley: Trish, you know its bad luck to leave your purse on the floor
Bonita: Zuley, we don't believe in luck, we believe in God. :)
And finally (this conversation happened in spanish and was translated to me)...
Maria (Bonita's Mom) : Bonita, why isn't Miss Trish married yet?
Bonita: She's waiting for the man that God has for her.
Short pause...
Bonita: Mommy...I am too.
I got a phone call this morning from Bonita and Linda's mom saying that she needed to take Linda to the doctor and needed somewhere for Bonita to go (the poor girl was still in the bloody clothes from yesterday! She was so exhausted when she came home she went straight to bed!).
So, I went over and picked Bonita up and brought her to my house while Linda went to the doctor. (Guys don't read this part...Linda has apparently had her period for over a month straight, which is not good. The poor girl just started her period 2 months ago and didn't realize how abnormal a month long period is!)I had to work this morning, so Bonita took a shower and then ended up falling asleep while watching TV. I usually listen to music or have Law and Order on for background noise while I work...today I had Spongebob Squarepants, haha. I LOVED it!! :) Bonita and Giz were so sweet and so cute!!!
This afternoon I got to hang out with some of my favorite kids in the world at after-school. The program is run by students at PBU, so I just got to go and hang out with the kids...and had so much fun. Tasha performed a toothpaste commercial for me, and every kid told me all about their Valentine's Day. They had me smiling and laughing the whole time; which is a feat because I was exhausted!!!
Finally, at Teen Club we played a really fun game that made me laugh a lot. Its called "Funny Bones". You get a partner and pick a card. The card will say something like "Ear bone to Shoulder bone", and one person must put their ear on the other person's shoulder, with the card in the middle. So, once you drop a card your team is out. Its a little touchy feely for me (which is why I never play, haha) but I really enjoy watching it!!
Finally, I don't like to play matchmaker (especially with teens), but I have to confess that I did have a strong hand in making this "pair" happen:
(That's Luis with one of my favorite girls in the world!! I couldn't help myself...they're just so cute!).
Friday, February 1, 2008
New Web Site!!
Hey Everyone! I only have a second, but I wanted to let you know that I have created a website all about me!! :) I have gotten several questions recently from people asking how they can share my ministry with others so, I figured that creating a website was the easiest way for people to meet me and get to know me and my ministry.
So, check it out, HERE!! Let me know if you have any questions, or suggestions!!
I'll write more soon! Thanks!
So, check it out, HERE!! Let me know if you have any questions, or suggestions!!
I'll write more soon! Thanks!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
I have Lost My mind
There are SO many reasons for the title of this blog. :) I will go through some of them, haha.
I got back to Philly on Tuesday around 2:30. Denise, my Kids Club co-leader called me around 10 (while we were on the road) to tell me that she had been called into work and wasn't going to be able to do the lesson for Kids Club that night. Not a problem, we have several movies we can show, and I have no problem doing that. However, I suddenly had the idea of playing a game to review things from the last semester with the kids. So, I spent a good part of the rest of the ride preparing the game...which included needing a wheel (kinda like wheel of fortune). Thankfully, we had one at the church that just needed some modifications!! But, the prep for Kids Club took me from the time I got home until right as Kids Club started. The game went well and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun, and it was a really good review for the kids. In fact, I think I will do it again at the end of next semester. Still...the movie would have been much easier. :)
When I finally got home on Tuesday night I checked my email to discover that I was WAY behind on my AIM work (like 57 emails and many phone calls behind). Now, because of my personality, waiting until Wednesday to do my work would have been very difficult. So, I proceeded to respond to all the emails I could and saved only the phone calls until Wednesday. That took me until about 7 a.m. I got completely caught up though!!! I took a quick nap and then headed to staff prayer at 9.
Thankfully, because I got caught on Tuesday night, I didn't have to work extra on Wednesday and when my AIM hours were over a 2 p.m., I immediately took a 3 hour nap. That had me rested and ready to go for Prayer Pals. I also pretty much went straight to bed after Prayer Pals, so now I am caught up on my work and my sleep!!
I know the staying up until 7 wasn't the best idea I have ever had...which means it continues with my theme of losing my mind. :)
I am really glad that I got caught up though because the rest of this week and on through about the middle of December will be extremely busy. Here is the quick run down:
Doctor's appt. tmw
Grocery shopping and house cleaning this weekend
Next week will be a "normal" week (which is still pretty busy).
Next Friday is the Cornerstone Adult Christmas Party
The following Monday is the Kids Club Christmas Party (which I will be planning for most of next week).
*** Something to pray for with that...the church that usually donates the presents for the party is talking about giving us gift cards to shop with...they will have the gift cards to us on Dec. 10th. The Christmas party is Dec. 10th. PRAY THEY SEND US MONEY INSTEAD!! Either way, we have to shop for about 200 Christmas gifts OURSELVES this year!! (Hopefully we don't have to do it the day of the party!)
Tuesday is the Pre-Teen Christmas Party (which I normally don't attend, but this year 5 of the kids that I drive to kids club are all in pre-teens! So, I will be going this year).
Wednesday is "normal"
Thursday is the Teen Club Christmas party.
My friend Catherine comes to visit on Friday. We will be driving to see her family in CT on Sunday, coming back on Monday.
That Wednesday is the Prayer Pals Christmas party (which also requires planning and probably shopping).
That should be the end of the chaos. I will head home to visit my parents in the 23rd or 24th, coming back to Philly on the 27th or 28th, depending on ticket prices.
Somewhere in there I also have to fit in a movie date with Paxton, a skating date with several kids, a shopping trip with Miguel and Bonita, a separate one with Tasha as well as my own Christmas shopping. Oh, and I am trying to keep going to the gym regularly and I work 9-2 everyday. Whew!!
I hope it doesn't sound like I am complaining, cause I'm not. This is always a busy time of year, so I am prepared for it. We don't start clubs back up until the end of January, so I will get some good rest time as well as prep time in there.
Still, the next few weeks are going to be interesting...especially if my mind stays gone. :)
I got back to Philly on Tuesday around 2:30. Denise, my Kids Club co-leader called me around 10 (while we were on the road) to tell me that she had been called into work and wasn't going to be able to do the lesson for Kids Club that night. Not a problem, we have several movies we can show, and I have no problem doing that. However, I suddenly had the idea of playing a game to review things from the last semester with the kids. So, I spent a good part of the rest of the ride preparing the game...which included needing a wheel (kinda like wheel of fortune). Thankfully, we had one at the church that just needed some modifications!! But, the prep for Kids Club took me from the time I got home until right as Kids Club started. The game went well and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun, and it was a really good review for the kids. In fact, I think I will do it again at the end of next semester. Still...the movie would have been much easier. :)
When I finally got home on Tuesday night I checked my email to discover that I was WAY behind on my AIM work (like 57 emails and many phone calls behind). Now, because of my personality, waiting until Wednesday to do my work would have been very difficult. So, I proceeded to respond to all the emails I could and saved only the phone calls until Wednesday. That took me until about 7 a.m. I got completely caught up though!!! I took a quick nap and then headed to staff prayer at 9.
Thankfully, because I got caught on Tuesday night, I didn't have to work extra on Wednesday and when my AIM hours were over a 2 p.m., I immediately took a 3 hour nap. That had me rested and ready to go for Prayer Pals. I also pretty much went straight to bed after Prayer Pals, so now I am caught up on my work and my sleep!!
I know the staying up until 7 wasn't the best idea I have ever had...which means it continues with my theme of losing my mind. :)
I am really glad that I got caught up though because the rest of this week and on through about the middle of December will be extremely busy. Here is the quick run down:
Doctor's appt. tmw
Grocery shopping and house cleaning this weekend
Next week will be a "normal" week (which is still pretty busy).
Next Friday is the Cornerstone Adult Christmas Party
The following Monday is the Kids Club Christmas Party (which I will be planning for most of next week).
*** Something to pray for with that...the church that usually donates the presents for the party is talking about giving us gift cards to shop with...they will have the gift cards to us on Dec. 10th. The Christmas party is Dec. 10th. PRAY THEY SEND US MONEY INSTEAD!! Either way, we have to shop for about 200 Christmas gifts OURSELVES this year!! (Hopefully we don't have to do it the day of the party!)
Tuesday is the Pre-Teen Christmas Party (which I normally don't attend, but this year 5 of the kids that I drive to kids club are all in pre-teens! So, I will be going this year).
Wednesday is "normal"
Thursday is the Teen Club Christmas party.
My friend Catherine comes to visit on Friday. We will be driving to see her family in CT on Sunday, coming back on Monday.
That Wednesday is the Prayer Pals Christmas party (which also requires planning and probably shopping).
That should be the end of the chaos. I will head home to visit my parents in the 23rd or 24th, coming back to Philly on the 27th or 28th, depending on ticket prices.
Somewhere in there I also have to fit in a movie date with Paxton, a skating date with several kids, a shopping trip with Miguel and Bonita, a separate one with Tasha as well as my own Christmas shopping. Oh, and I am trying to keep going to the gym regularly and I work 9-2 everyday. Whew!!
I hope it doesn't sound like I am complaining, cause I'm not. This is always a busy time of year, so I am prepared for it. We don't start clubs back up until the end of January, so I will get some good rest time as well as prep time in there.
Still, the next few weeks are going to be interesting...especially if my mind stays gone. :)
Monday, November 5, 2007
Yay for the Weekend!!!
I had a GREAT weekend!! It was insanely busy, but great!! First, on Friday night we took a group of 30 teens, pre-teens and leaders to the Revolve Tour, which is basically Women of Faith for young women. The event was Friday night and all day Saturday, and it was amazing! The speakers were wonderful and all have great messages. We also got to attend concerts given by christian rap artist KJ-52 (whom all the girls are in love with), Aiesha Woods (who is my new favorite Christian artist) and Hawk Nelson. They also had a great drama team and so much more. We all had a blast and learned a lot. It was wonderful!! Other than every speaker being a size 2 wearing skinny jeans and knee high boots with perfect hair and makeup telling the girls that looks don't matter, I loved the event! (Well, that and every woman's story ended with "then I met my husband and we lived happily ever after).
Friday night I also had almost all of the girls, about 22 of them, sleepover at my friend Chris Fisher's house. I was going to have the sleepover at my house, but Chris' house is a bit bigger than mine so I took care of all the details, but we invaded Chris' house. That was also a ton of fun...and a little bit insane as well. :) Overall, the girls had an amazing weekend, which means that I had an amazing weekend. Linda even won a KJ-52 cd, and Monique touched his hand!!! :)
It was especially great for me to have Monique, Bonita and Linda there. As I listened to some of the talks and looked at my girls (who bravely sat next to me knowing that I was going to embarrass them...which I absolutely did), I had to hold back tears. They are SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!! Bonita was about to explode all week she was so excited (she is so cute! when she gets excited about something, she can't sleep and just thinks and talks about it all the time!). When we finally got to Revolve, it was everything she wanted it to be and more. She LOVED it!!! Linda had been last year, but had an amazing time once again.Yesterday turned out to be just as good as Friday and Saturday. First, Sunday School went really great as we followed up with the things we learned at Revolve. I think the girls are really starting to get things that we have been telling them for years...and they seem to be enjoying it!! After Sunday School, I skipped church (whoops!) with several of our teens (ahh!) to head to Center City for a college fair. About 15 of us visited the fair, talked to tons of different colleges and talked to some financial aid counselors. It was a little overwhelming for some of them, but most had an amazing time!! Several of them think they really found the school they want to go to, which now gives them motivation and a goal to reach for. I was so excited!!!! Praise the Lord!!!
(We asked a random girl at the college fair to take this picture...I hope she isn't going to school for photography!)After we spent a few hours talking to colleges we went to lunch and I had some AWESOME conversations with the girls. Ironically, it was with the girls that hadn't gone to Revolve with us, but we talked a lot about things from Revolve. God is doing some GREAT THINGS!!!!
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Emotional Day
Today was kind of a strange day full of pretty much every emotion in the book. It started with Dale's funeral. There were a ton of people at the funeral and it was truly a celebration of his life. His immediate family struggled a lot and the only way I can describe the scene is to picture what the bible talks about...people wailing and mourning. It was heartbreaking to watch the family suffer, but as we spent time in the Word and talking about Dale's life we could do nothing but rejoice and praise God for where Dale is now.
It was kind of difficult for those of us that knew Dale from Cornerstone, though. Dale sang in the choir of another church (we don't have a choir) and the funeral was held at that church. Many people that knew Dale from that church told stories about Dale, but we didn't get the chance. I hope we do something to remember Dale at our church service tomorrow.
The hardest part for me was mourning with the teens. Several months ago the father of several of our teens passes away and I struggled at the funeral seeing how deeply hurt they were. This time, they were hurt and so was I. That was really hard, and not something any of us will get over any time soon.
After the funeral (which lasted a ridiculous 2.5 hours) we got some lunch and then I went home for about an hour to rest. I was completely exhausted. Around 3:30 Brooke and I picked up several kids along with 2 of the teens to go paint pumpkins!! We had SO much fun digging the goop our of the pumpkins (not all of the kids enjoyed that part) and then painting them. Carisa came over and took a ton of great pictures and we all had a BLAST!!
After the pumpkin painting Brooke and I, along with Shera, Joy, J and Dominique headed to see the movie "Gameplan". Its a somewhat cheesy movie, but I enjoyed it...I especially appreciated that it was an appropriate movie that I would even take kids to see. It was a nice way to just escape for a little while. After the movie we got some ice cream and talked and laughed for hours. It was a really fun time with friends and a nice way to end a very emotional day.
It was kind of difficult for those of us that knew Dale from Cornerstone, though. Dale sang in the choir of another church (we don't have a choir) and the funeral was held at that church. Many people that knew Dale from that church told stories about Dale, but we didn't get the chance. I hope we do something to remember Dale at our church service tomorrow.
The hardest part for me was mourning with the teens. Several months ago the father of several of our teens passes away and I struggled at the funeral seeing how deeply hurt they were. This time, they were hurt and so was I. That was really hard, and not something any of us will get over any time soon.
After the funeral (which lasted a ridiculous 2.5 hours) we got some lunch and then I went home for about an hour to rest. I was completely exhausted. Around 3:30 Brooke and I picked up several kids along with 2 of the teens to go paint pumpkins!! We had SO much fun digging the goop our of the pumpkins (not all of the kids enjoyed that part) and then painting them. Carisa came over and took a ton of great pictures and we all had a BLAST!!
After the pumpkin painting Brooke and I, along with Shera, Joy, J and Dominique headed to see the movie "Gameplan". Its a somewhat cheesy movie, but I enjoyed it...I especially appreciated that it was an appropriate movie that I would even take kids to see. It was a nice way to just escape for a little while. After the movie we got some ice cream and talked and laughed for hours. It was a really fun time with friends and a nice way to end a very emotional day.
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