samedi 8 mai 2004
The answer my friends
It seems there's something wrong with my page when it loads, at least on my browser. For some reason, the comment script is interfering with the rest of the page, giving me only three posts, without the sidebar even coming up. I don't know if I can do anything at this point, but sorry about whatever it is that's doing it.
As I've alluded to before, I've become increasingly frustrated with youth ministry. It's kind of nice because I've figured out today that if I switch out of it, I won't have to take any more spring classes or have 6 class semesters either. I'll get to graduate on time and my fourth year will be absolutely wonderful. I get to write my thesis next year and look forward to a program I'll enjoy. What a relief! All this time, it wasn't my college that was driving me nuts, it was the major I was in!
I just received one of the best emails I've ever gotten and it was from a girl at college that I've really gotten to know this semester who's at home now. She goes to my church when she's at school and the funny thing is if she were still in town, she'd realize that everything she wrote me was exactly what the sermon was about tonight. God works in such coincidental ways :)
*Theophilus and Mrs. Theophilus just had a baby girl, Katelyn Grace! Isn't she so adorable?
Libellés : youth ministry
mercredi 5 mai 2004
Smatterings of failed attempts
Well, I've been in a strange mood all week, despite the fact that I'm taking one of the best courses that could possibly be offered. The prof for this class is quickly becoming my all-time favourite prof, just because he is one of the few that has actually challenged me, spiritually, academically and personally.
I have an interview next week for the job I applied for, which is glorious news because I don't think I'll be getting this other internship at church. I'm praying that I get the first job because I have felt so alienated from the youth staff and because I no longer have the passion for youth ministry.
In fact, I'm almost 100% certain that I'll be switching out of the youth ministry program at college. As far as leading a small group, I don't know if I want to continue either. This has been my third year and by far, the worst. My kids don't seem to care about it anymore and not only are they disruptive during meeting times, I think they've lost all if any respect they've had for me in the first place. There are a few exceptions in my group but it seems the majority of them don't want to be under my leadership.
I haven't told anybody how I'm a complete failure with my small group since none of the youth staff has talked to me about it in the last few months and because I'm ashamed that my youth won't listen to me or treat me with respect. I still love them no matter what, but if they are rejecting everything I say or do, there's no point of me sticking around. They're in high school now and are fully capable of making their own decisions. If they want to ignore the small group and me, then I can't bend their arms about it.
Why oh why did I think I was called to youth ministry? I'm clearly the wrong person for it. I hate to say this, but I'm doubting whether I would be 'successful' in any ministry.
*On a much happier note, happy birthday Michelle!
Libellés : youth ministry
samedi 17 janvier 2004
This is the end
Tonight was the first youth event of the new year. It was good, although I didn't stay for all of it. I just have so much homework to do and I'm already swamped in this second week of school. Youth is going great although I have sort of a dilemma. What do you do when you were once friends with another youthworker but now you can't stand to be near them? This is tough on me because I don't want it to affect anything with my youth. Hmmm. It's also tough because I always feel extremely guilty whenever I end a friendship with a Christian. It rarely ends on good terms and it's more painful because I expect it to be different than all the other friendships I have. I can think of over the years where I've stopped being friends with some Christians, and it hurts since I usually think it's my fault for not 'loving a brother/sister in the faith' enough to maintain the friendship.
Libellés : youth ministry
dimanche 21 décembre 2003
Gingerbread blown up
Here is a picture from the Christmas banquet that we had on Friday night for the youth at my church.
From left to right are: Nickkie pretending that she's standing in a gingerbread house, Jess who is in another life group but is an awesome girl, Marcy who is such a gifted performer, Tera who I just got to know this year, and Dave whom you might remember from the bubble gum incident.
Aren't they oh-so-cute?!
Libellés : youth ministry
vendredi 19 décembre 2003
Sleepyhead
I really enjoy pouring over people's blog archives. It's quite time-consuming but worth it. It paints such a vibrant history of the person I'm reading about, and in a way, I get to know them better. And the best entries are usually at the beginning, where most people don't care about what they post and they write away, knowing that they're not writing for an audience. That's where gems of truth sneak in :)
I just love my youth. I've been having a sucky week but after tonight, my spirits feel so lifted. We had the sr high Christmas banquet tonight at church and I had a blast with all the kids. I love them all so much, and that's when my "protective (maternal?)" instincts kick in with them. I get all defensive and I do whatever I can to guard them from anyone who tries to hurt them. It's strange because I'm only a few years older than these kids, but honestly, I treat them like my kids. Oh, these kids are just so fantastic! They are some of the most mature and godly teens I've ever seen. Maybe I'm biased but I am so proud that they are the next generation of leaders in the world and in the church. Actually, some of them already are leaders (see how great they are?)! I love watching them grow in the Lord!
This week has been such a blur. I guess being in the hospital everyday does that to a person. I started "Waking the Dead" today though and so far, it's been exactly the book I've needed. It doesn't deny that life can be confusing or miserable, and it's honest about how most people view life. I'm excited about this book and I hope to finish it tomorrow. But till then, I'm nodding off....
Libellés : youth ministry
lundi 3 novembre 2003
Bubble gone bad
Aww Davey (one of the kids in my youth) had quite the experience with the "biggest bubble ever" at one of the sleepovers that was held after the retreat was cancelled. We're still teasing him about it now, poor kid. I'm just glad Nickkie was there with her digi to capture this "delicious" moment :)
Libellés : youth ministry
vendredi 31 octobre 2003
I'm back
At home that is. The story: road conditions were so bad that when the buses got to Carstairs, the bus driver recommended that we go back. Apparently there was something like 60 cars in the ditch, and he wanted to be safe rather than sorry. And the leaders only got to about Airdrie, so it ended up being a good idea that we go back before we attempted to head out to the secondary highways. I know the kids are so disappointed but the roads were just not friendly for anyone to drive on. Good news though, we had a great turnout for the senior high fall retreat: 85 kids and 15 leaders :) It's just too bad we ended up having to cancel. The parents were so understanding though, praise God for that!!!
Well, my muscles are aching and I am extremely weary, so good night!
Libellés : youth ministry
jeudi 30 octobre 2003
Utter shock
I'm sure that all of the youth ministry blogs out there are typing overtime as we're trying to come to terms with the announcement of a sudden death.
I just opened my email a few minutes ago and it took me a minute to comprehend what I read: THE TRAGIC LOSS OF MIKE YACONELLI
If you would like more information about the founder of Youth Specialties, you can go here and read about what this man has done - in blessing others through his life and in challenging Christians through his works.
Libellés : youth ministry
vendredi 17 octobre 2003
Movie fun
Our life group event was a blast!! We got to watch our movie through a projector on the side of a house - our own private theatre! I hope everyone had fun; I had the greatest time! I am so full of food right now though. Us 6 girls went through 6 bags of popcorn and then afterwards, two more girls showed up to help us finish our cakes :) Yummy. Anyways, Nicola took a bunch of pictures, so hopefully I'll be able to post those on the side soon.
Melissa posted an interesting meme on her page and I thought I would fill it out.
Pick one blogger for each of these. (The last question is exempt from this rule). You can pick the same blogger as an answer for more than one question.
The blogger you'd trust with your life: Hmm, I would say my best friend but she doesn't have a blog! So I guess that won't work.
The blogger you can trust with your deepest, darkest secrets: Alright, I'll stick to the 'bloggers only' rule. It's a secret ;)
The blogger who makes you laugh the most: Tracy
The blogger who makes you think the most: Coqui
The blogger you'd like to live near to (in terms of city - comment mine): Jeremy - okay, I'm cheating. I want to stay in my hometown.
The blogger you'd like to have as a roommate: No one. This is why I could never survive in dorms.
The blogger you'd like to go to Disneyland (or Six Flags) with: My life group - they blog.
The blogger on your blogroll who is most similar to you. How? Michelle - even though she's older, we are both in youth ministry, working on the college yearbook, have same favourite music groups, and have never dated, which is a pretty cool coincidence.
The blogger on your blogroll who is most different than you. How? Carly - she is waaaaay talented, 'nuff said.
Lastly, pick five bloggers you'd like to have a party with. What would you do? My life group again. We'd probably have a movie party again, see above :)
Libellés : youth ministry
mardi 7 octobre 2003
In honour of Nickkie
She's getting her braces off tomorrow! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Nickkie, you are going to looooove being able to eat anything again *Smile!*
P.S. This article is so brutal!
P.P.S. I am going to stop posting and get down to some actual homework, which I've been putting off all evening.
Libellés : youth ministry
samedi 4 octobre 2003
Sleepover fun
Last night was an awesome night. We had over 100 youth show up and we ended up having to split them in half for the first part but it was such a fun evening! My group didn't get to go to the citywide worship event, which I guess was rather good because it wasn't what the other group expected. And when we brought the kids to a rollerskating/blading rink, it was one of the only times I've ever laughed that hard. I mean, kids in spandex, short shorts and "ice" - what a hoot! Not to mention all the tricks, crashes and water fights too :)
Then when got back at around midnight, we watched "Bend It Like Beckham", which was an interesting choice considering some of its content. I am always frustrated when I watch movies and the "guy" doesn't notice the "girl" until she's in some "pretty outfit" and then there's a moment of "oh she's the one for me" (cue lights and music). (Quotation marks because that is so typical). That is extremely lame - as if changing an outfit suddenly brings a guy to the realization that this girl is actually beautiful but she has to wear ordinary garb the rest of the time which makes her... not. And of course, the movie ended with a kiss - which drew countless sighs from all the teenage girls (good tactics Hollywood). Well there's my rant for the day, I'll try not to do anymore since hearing a person complain isn't uplifting. But really, some movies just make you go... ahh!!
Finally, my room got to bed between 3:30-5:30am depending on who was talking throughout the night. And we had to get up at 7:00am to clear the church for a funeral. So now that I'm finished my blog update, I will sleep!
Libellés : youth ministry
samedi 13 septembre 2003
Kids rule!
We had a great turnout last night for our sr high kickoff event and I had a blast reconnecting with students again - and watching them sing their hearts out at karaoke :) Today was the youth workers training day, and it was a great success. God totally answered our prayers for more leaders and coaches, and I was so amazed to see about 80 people show up (and we were still missing people!) today. Afterwards, we all went for dinner at the OSF and I got to observe a bunch of guy leaders give each other wet willies, which was quite entertaining.
"I am Your servant, God.
Where You want me to go, I will go.
Point the direction. Show me the way.
You called me to work with young people.
They want to hear Your voice, God.
They want to know You.
Help me show them the Creator of the Universe.
Send me enthusiasm when I don't feel enthusiastic.
Send me patience when I'm out of it.
Send me large shoulders to lean and cry on.
Send me ears to hear the things that aren't being said.
Send me eyes to see beneath the surface.
Send me words to say when they ask the hard questions.
Give me the ability to laugh at myself.
I am your servant, God.
Where you want me to go, I will go.
Point the direction. Show me the way.
Amen."
- The Youthworkers Prayer "Book of Uncommon Prayer"
Libellés : youth ministry
vendredi 22 août 2003
C'est Vendredi!
Meaning the Friday Five once again. However, I don't think some of these questions are that relevant, so instead I will be doing the Friday Seven, from Gman's blog, in place of that.
1. What in your study or pursuit of theology concept do you struggle with most?
There are so many, and we went through tons in theology class. This book helped us with a few of those. However, the one that is the hardest to understand is definitely the concept of grace, something so freely given yet which came at such a dear price.
Also the meaning of evil and suffering, a subject not to be taken lightly but is never ultimately answered... but perhaps we won't ever know in this life. I like what Job said: "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.... Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.... Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." - Job 42:2, 3b, 6
2. What is your spiritual gift?
The gift of helps/serving. Don't know of any others; spiritual gifts are hard because they are usually acknowledged by those in your church body.
3. What do you use to train your volunteers?
Since I'm currently studying youth ministry, I'll just say what's been used to train me. I had a few leadership training sessions with the youth pastor, Wayne, and I'm fairly certain he used YS resources. Oh yeah, I had "The Core" training as well. And I've been reading youth min. books, and I'm certain I'll have to read Doug Fields this year.
4. What is one mistake you made that you wished you knew before in youth ministry?
That I can't do everything, that I won't have time to do it all and that people won't always support what I'm trying to do. Um, something I learned later on, that you will not get along with everyone that you work with, but you have to love them because they love kids. This was a tough one for me to understand!
5. What mode seems to be the best in communicating an event to your students and their parents? (Advertising: Is it website, email; IMing; phone; fliers; announcements at church; your video ..and so on ....)
When I used to do communications, it was PPT presentations that ran before the youth service started; visuals attract kids :) The website had stuff on it, but then it crashed and not a lot of kids knew about it. Emails worked, but I don't think they were sent regularly enough. We have a PhoneTree but it can be a hassle because families with more than 1 kid in Student Ministries usually end up with quite a few messages. We have calendars for jr high and sr high and that has always worked! And personally, I do up newsletters for my own kids for their fridge.
6. If there is one game you have for your bag of tricks to use for filler time, what game would that be? (Is there a purpose or object lesson from it?)
You know, this was something I learned at college: the Smartie Ritual. I've only done it once or twice I think, but it's lots of fun and the girls enjoy it (plus you get candy!). The only purpose of it is to get to know each other better and to have fun doing so.
7. What is your favourite thing to do?
Lots! I love volunteering in my church video department. I love being with the grade 10 youth group and just having a blast with them all. I love reading great books that teach me more about God. I love attending church and worshipping Him with fellow friends and congregants. I love belting out praise songs to Him. I love God and I love life!
Libellés : Friday Five, youth ministry
mercredi 6 août 2003
Starfield Concert
My allergies are keeping me up, so allow me to post a picture from my very first SF concert:
It was definitely a new experience for me being in a church that was so different from my own, and for my life group girls as well! My church youth group is pretty skater-ish, so imagine how they felt when the youth group here was pretty preppy! Anyways, long story short, excellent concert and I hope they come to my church someday so I can help with the tech :)
Libellés : youth ministry
