Less than 2 weeks

In 13 days my 9 year role as youth pastor for InnerFire Cooperative Youth Ministry ends.

It was not my choice, and it has been a very raw and difficult experience.

Yet, I am ok with it.

The phrase, "God doesn't close a door without opening a window" has been shared so many times in the past few weeks I can hear it being said before their mouth opens. And that's ok. It's true.

As these beautiful, tall, double doors are being shut, colorful stained glass transoms are opening.

I trust that the disbanding of the youth program as we have known it will be a significant point of growth for all involved. I admire those plugging forward, standing up for their ministry, and creating a new structure. And if I have done my job right all these years, they will flourish and give God the glory.

In this crazy day and age of The Great Recession, I am not thrilled about losing my job. HOWEVER, I give a nod to Jeremiah 29:11-13. I have received the Ford Family ReStart scholarship and will be going to school full time. I will miss the weekly dive in the trenches of youth ministry, yet, will be able to share my 23 yrs of experience with new folk.

It is exciting to spend my final week with 20 youth and 12 adults in Seattle serving our AWESOME GOD! And on that note, I need to get back to the nitty gritty schedule.

Prayers, please. God is good, All the time.

ACTIVATE!

I heart Stellar Kart.

Their lyrics inspire, challenge, and bring comfort.

Their tunes are SO fun to dance, jump, and rock out to!

Today I had the honor of leading a short worship experience at Annual Conference.

It began with the video of Stellar Kart singing "Activate".

We sang "Every Move I Make"

Proverbs 27:17 was shared between the youth (Iron sharpens iron)

and the adults (so as one person sharpens another).

We watched a wonderful You Tube version of the Star Fish Story

then shared with our neighbors how we feel God is calling US to make a difference.

The responsive reading were lyrics from the song "Activate".

First part read by those 35 and under.

Second part read by those over 35 (there were many more of those voices)

Third part was read by all.

The Bishop gave words of encouragement and challenge to connect with the youth and young adults who came that day for Rejuvenate. After a prayer to commission them into immediate short-term mission, they departed for several different service projects around Salem.

Thanks to the Rejuvenate planning team, this went off really well!

woo hoo!!!

What difference would it make in your life if your day started with an encouraging and rocking video, some scripture, inspirational You Tube video and 500 + people sharing?

hm...

"This is the purpose of my life

This is the reason I'm alive.

don't have time to wait,

activate, activate!"

check out the rest of the lyrics on your own.

what difference are YOU being called to make?