Fall In Love Again!

The craziness of Christmas has past and the New Year has arrived...much like we anticipate every 365 days. As a leader, its normal to reflect on the success and regrets of last year and vow to be different and make this year a better one. In that reflection I began to ponder my many years of ministry that God has blessed my life with. Thoughts about the many mistakes made, the crazy game ideas, the "what was I thinking" events, the many moments where God shines through the lives of each youth, and more importantly the various lessons learned as a leader over the years. I remember my first years as a "newbie" Youth Leader and the love and passion I had for Youth Ministry. Now, don't get me wrong...I still have the love and passion for Youth Ministry and know without a doubt that God has gifted me and placed me in this leadership role, but I ask God daily to keep me energized and receptive to His direction.


This year, as part of reflecting on the old and new, God has been burning my heart with a message of LOVE! Scripture is filled with words or examples of love, Jesus showing love to His people, and commands us to share love with others. This is our calling, to Love God, Love our neighbors, and express love through our identity, our values, and our purpose. 2011 for me is a year that I am being called to LOVE LIFE!

Sometimes it only takes a simple reminder of where our heart should lay and for me it was the simple reflection for the new year that is upon us. My hope for 2011 is that my LOVE for God & for people is visible for all to see, even if no words are spoken. I also hope that as the new year moves forward that my LOVE for ministry is enhanced and filled with new ideas...all to reach the hearts of youth!

So I leave you with this question "what is God calling you to fall in love with again"?

C~

Here I Am Lord...

This Sunday I am about to embark on my 4th mission trip to serve those who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. As you recall 2005 greeting the Atlantic Coast with devastating hits, floods, and sadly deaths. The affects of Katrina were long-lasting and devastating to the community of New Orleans.

As I close out the final preparations for the trip, I recall a story found in Isaiahh where God appeared to him. God was looking for a volunteer to DO a tough job! Isaiah raised his hand and said, "Here I Am." Isaiah wasn't the only individual whom God equipped for a unique mission. As Paul tells us, each person in the church is called to LOVE and serve others. It is my prayer, that this next week will be filled with many opportunities, for a path to be open, and for God's love to shine in the lives our our homeowners, team members, and community members. My tool belt and my work shoes are packed as I WALK down this mission journey of sharing, showing, and being an imitator of God's love.

Living a 3368 life puts me on journeys where, at times I may question my presences and purpose. In saying that with all honesty, today I have found that my presences for this trip may not be affected by the group but more importantly whom God may places on my path. What does the Lord require of me...to do justice, love mercifully, and walk humbly with my God.

C~

3 Simple Rules

How simple does God make it to walk in obedience and righteousness. He requires merely three things, although they are easy to understand they are also a substantial task to undergo. The first, we are to do what is right in everything we do and every decision we make. The second is to love mercy, embracing compassion and forgiveness for everyone we meet. Lastly, is to walk humbly, lifting up our heavenly Father and serving others. Micah talks about the useless sacrifices we offer to God and asks the reader non-rhetorical questions of what types of sacrifices the Lord is pleased with. He simply states that it is not what we bring to God, but it is how we interact with God. He desires us to live out our faith by our actions, showing the validity of our testimony and proclaiming how God has changed our lives.

C~