THIS PICTURE THING IS SO MUCH FUN

PICTURES

Today, I officially learned how to transfer pictures from our digital camera to the computer. I am so behind with technology. It cost me $5 (I paid my daughter to teach me) but it was worth it. Here is my first try :

CHALLENGE DAY

I had the opportunity to be part of an event called Challenge Day. Challenge Day is a one day program for High School students. Through various activities and exercises, social barriers are knocked down and teens are able to open up to adults and one another about problems and fears in their lives. I had seen the organization on television and I wanted to see for myself how this was done. I was blown away. I spent 8 hours with them and left the day emotionally drained. I can't believe what some teens are experiencing today. I had a very diverse group of teens in my group. One had downs syndrome, 2 lived in low income housing projects, one was your all american girl next door and the other was raised on a farm. The common thread amongst them all was an attitude of lost and disappointment. All of them had been let down by adults in their lives. One student told me he experiences violence on a daily basis. He hates how he has let this mold him into someone who is always angry, fights with everyone and really has no plans for a future. He has seen families members turn to homosexuality, he has held the dead body of a family member in his arms after a shooting. One student was abandoned by a father and step father. She is now the primary care giver for a sibling while her mom works two jobs. I came out of there more angry then sad. I came out thinking that we have truly let down some of the children of this world. As we closed the session, I gave everyone in my group a hug and told them that "I Loved Them". I wanted to make sure that they heard at least one time that day that they were loved. Pray for these teens. I hope they keep in touch with me. I am considering the possibility of joining the challenge day presenation team. If you would like to learn more about them, go to http://www.challengeday.org/.

Let me introduce to you...Little Rock 3

Yes...that is the name of Austin's garage band. They had their first rehearsal last night and ended the jam session with milkshakes. He was so excited. He was watching the clock until 6:30 when rehearsal began. I am told they can play a mean version of "smoke on the water". I will be their temporary manager so if you would like to book them for reunions, birthday parties, bar mitzfas (spelling ?) they work really cheap....milkshakes. Keep in mind, they only know one song. Rumor has it they could be opening for the VMA awards next year.

On another note, Austin did begin guitar lessons this week. He loves his teacher and let me tell you why. When he first walked in the room, Austin could immediately relate to him. He had on a t-shirt and jeans, long hair, cool hat, he was young and he treated Austin like he was his friend...not his teacher. He was really interested in Austin and even offered Austin 2 ways to learn the guitar. One was the traditional way and one was a non-traditional approach to teaching music. We went for the latter.

It made me think about our church Catalyst. Catalyst is designed to meet people where they are in life...not where the church wants them to be. Catalyst is taking a non-traditional approach to ministry and is being effective. Just like Austin did with his lessons, a person can walk in off the street and immediately feel loved and comfortable at Catalyst. I hope Austin will someday use his guitar to minister to people. The reward would be even better then a milkshake.

GOD IS SO GOOD

Have you ever prayed for something and God went above and beyond what you asked? I hope the answer is yes. I have been praying for my son Austin that he would get involved in a local youth group. We wanted him to be involved with other kids his age. There is a youth group nearby that averages about 150 junior high kids each week. He actually asked me on Monday if he could go. I took him and a friend last night and I was blown away. When they got in the car they were so excited. They want to go on the fall retreat, they want to go to Cedar Point this weekend and get this...they want to try out for the worship band. Austin doesn't even play an instrument!!!!He took guitar lessons (4 lessons) 2 years ago. I said sure...do it! So...we have 2 weeks to prepare him for his audition. I wasn't about to stop his dream!! He said he was going to even tell a friend at school about the youth group and see if he wants to audition. I loved their enthusiasm and their fearless attitude. On another music note...he is getting together with 2 friends Friday to start a garage band. (not my garage)
God is so good and faithful.

Moving ahead on my book

I haven't been called to teach in 2 days so I am trying to use this down time to work on some other projects. One of them is my book. I have finished the writing and the editing so the next step is putting it into the proper format to submit to a publisher. I have to actually put it into a book form and sketch suggestions for illustrations. Every time I go to work on this I actually begin to feel discouraged. I am constantly told how hard it is to get a children's book published. I have to keep reminding myself that I serve a big God and if this is His idea...it will happen. I have also been asked to contribute small devotionals for another book that my friend has written on purity. We have met twice and are moving full swing ahead. I am excited about the creative approach that we are taking for the devotions. It is actually like I am having a conversation with the writer. We are calling them "pop-ups" because they appear in unexpected places within the book. I am also trying to increase my speaking engagements. Lots of exciting things are happening.

IT WAS LIKE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Today was my first official Sunday at Catalyst. Today was my first official day to unlock the door and prepare the125 for Sunday morning. Last night reminded me of preparing for the first day of school. I was a little nervous, I laid out my supplies and even decided what to wear. I was so excited about meeting new people and the volunteers at Catalyst.

I have to say that I was blown away!!!I met with the children's staff and I have never experienced such a commitment from volunteers. The fact that they sacrifice 2 weeks of worship and even arrive at church one hour early to serve. They were all on time and ready to go. I love the fact that the standard has been set early for this church plant. The bar has been set high and a great example is in place for future volunteers. You don't know how important this is to a leader to see people who really want to serve!!!!!

I am so excited about what God as in store for Catalyst. I know that He is pleased with the faithfulness of the Catalyst volunteers and He will bless their efforts.

I left today energized and exhausted. My family allowed me to take a 2 hour nap.

Next week will be even better.