Normally, I do not name my posts. I simply date them for easy reference, so I can know what was going on in my life at a certain point in time even if no one else ever reads.
Its funny how certain things will mark our lives forever. For example a certain date may give you feelings and memories that on other calendar day will. Or, maybe for you its a song. A song from your childhood or a song that you heard on your first date. Not matter what the reason, it is true that these things will always have a certain impact on our lives.
For example, right now, national news is covering one big this. It is called the World Cup. For those of you who don;t know what I am talking about, it is the World Championships of Soccer. Every year the world cup is played in a different country, since Soccer is an extremely international sport. This year, right now, it is being played in South Africa. Since this is a huge event in this time, in this day and age, of course, there is a song about it.
(Cut and Paste Link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRpeEdMmmQ0
Many songs have been known to define the generations. Many of them are great, memorable songs. Many of them send a MAJOR message. WARNING: This next video has some extremely vulgar language, so be aware. It WILL be used to make a point, I promise.
(Cut and Paste Link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE9CXWV1alg
As a youth leader, I see a lot of brokenness in people, and A LOT of anger. This song sums it up. If you don't care about me, then why should I care? Basically, people are begging for a little unbiased love.
I know it is tempting to want to "fix" people around you, but I promise you that LOVE will always make a way where your efforts will fall short.
Speaking of "promises", I will lead into my next video. Listen to the words of this song as if God is singing it to you and as if you are singing Him the bridge.
(Cut and Paste Link)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6thmPrTxBtI
Tonight I reflect harshly on a week that has kicked my butt and had me throwing my fists in the air screaming at the top of my lungs "WHY GOD??? WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??"
Tonight I reflect on the fact that I have been way to caught up in my own huge problems to ever even know that a former youth of mine was contemplating suicide and would actually commit it today, June 30, 2010.
Today I am broken. Today I resolve. Today I know that the forces of darkness have messed with the wrong girl! Today I say to all of my youth who have been hanging out on the wayside, begging for me to come get them "Here I come". No turning back.
Tomorrow I face one of the biggest challenges of my entire life. It fails in comparison to the importance of the young people God has blessed me with. Know this, if you are a youth, or a former youth of mine, I will NEVER give up on you.
Lets take a look at our lives and try to be the "This I Promise You" in their lives rather than the "I don't give a f*ck."
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
June 22, 2010
"He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." -Jim Elliot.
It is so easy to get caught up in life. Today's working person leads a busy and stressful life most every day. We get up early to get ready and then drive/commute for untold amounts of time. Then we go into a workplace and serve our hearts out and never quite feel like it is good enough. So we go home, relax if possible, cook diner and prepare for bed so we can do it all again. Most errands will be put off for the weekend, thereby nullifying every day of possible relaxation and self examination, filling our every moment with tasks to be checked off.
This happens to every one of us. And this is how life passes us completely by.
As I sit here, in a hotel room thinking about the things that have happened in the past few weeks, I am grateful. I am grateful for great kids in an outstanding youth group who are so sold out for God that they would work odd jobs for months just to take their $200 pay and spend it on going to a youth conference with me. I wish I could be so flexible in my own life. Why can't I just give it up and put everything into my passions, my dreams, my calling? I think this is something we all struggle with. I know I have thought that I will only start to truly pursue my dream and vision when the rest of my life falls into place.
That is not going to happen.
My life will never feel in place until I am actually doing what I was made to do. So, in trying to separate my life into two different sections, I have put myself on a never ending circular road and I am driving at 100 MPH.
Its time to make some changes. Its time to give up what I cannot keep to gain what I cannot lose. Its time to go to the Jordan. No turning back.
It is so easy to get caught up in life. Today's working person leads a busy and stressful life most every day. We get up early to get ready and then drive/commute for untold amounts of time. Then we go into a workplace and serve our hearts out and never quite feel like it is good enough. So we go home, relax if possible, cook diner and prepare for bed so we can do it all again. Most errands will be put off for the weekend, thereby nullifying every day of possible relaxation and self examination, filling our every moment with tasks to be checked off.
This happens to every one of us. And this is how life passes us completely by.
As I sit here, in a hotel room thinking about the things that have happened in the past few weeks, I am grateful. I am grateful for great kids in an outstanding youth group who are so sold out for God that they would work odd jobs for months just to take their $200 pay and spend it on going to a youth conference with me. I wish I could be so flexible in my own life. Why can't I just give it up and put everything into my passions, my dreams, my calling? I think this is something we all struggle with. I know I have thought that I will only start to truly pursue my dream and vision when the rest of my life falls into place.
That is not going to happen.
My life will never feel in place until I am actually doing what I was made to do. So, in trying to separate my life into two different sections, I have put myself on a never ending circular road and I am driving at 100 MPH.
Its time to make some changes. Its time to give up what I cannot keep to gain what I cannot lose. Its time to go to the Jordan. No turning back.
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