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?

WD-40 and duct tape friends

as the saying goes, "If it moves, and it shouldn't, use duct tape. If it is supposed to move, and it doesn't, use WD-40". We all need friends in our lives who are like those very practical items.

When life feels like a blender on puree, or as if it is falling apart, we need those friends who can act as duct tape and help us hold things together. Their words adhear a sense of calm, hope, and the importance of letting Go and letting God handle the things we need to set down.

When we are stuck in a thought pattern, obsessing or worrying about something over which we have no control, or paralyzed by fear, we need WD-40 friends. Their words seep into our "stuckness", freeing us to let Go and let God's grace move us.

I give thanks for having both! I have them in the many "circles" (or friend's wheel).

In fact tonight, I got to speak to one on the phone, and see several in person.

Proverbs 27:17 - "Iron sharpens iron, so as one person sharpens another".

I think if duct tape and WD-40 were around 2000+ years ago, they would be included in a passage such as this, as well.

I GOT IT!!!

I got the Ford Family ReStart Scholarship!!!!

That means I know what I am doing for the next 2 years! I will be able to go to school full time and finish my bachelor's degree (yep, just my bachelor's).

My major is Organizational Communication - concentration in leadership, training, and development. I will receive a certification in Training and Development as well. I am hoping they will also offer a Change Management Certification before I graduate.

Basically, I will end up with that all-important piece of paper that validates everything I've been doing all these years! It will translate better from the sacred to the secular world.

My passion and strengths lie in connecting people with their gifts, strengths, and passion; team building; change and transition management. Of course, I love working with teens and connecing people with Jesus Christ. We will see how that comes into play in the future.

Thanks for the prayers and support!

And thanks to my 'Christy's School Team!"

my editors, math tutors, business mentors, and care team!

you rock!!

I am blessed many times over!

Oh My Oh May

I have anticipated elements of this week between 3 weeks and 1 year.

I received news about being a semi-finalist for the Ford Family ReStart scholarship 3 weeks ago.

Spring term started 2 months ago.

The marching sabercats in the 80's band reunion date was set 4 months ago.

The art show at Ben's school was scheduled 1 year ago.

So, Tuesday, I drive to Eugene for the scholarship interview.

I attend class that night and Wednesday.

Lots of details for the art show will be attended to both days, as well.

Thursday I work (yes, my real job) and see the fruit of this year's art literacy program 

shared with the whole school and parents.

(SADLY, THIS IS THE ONLY ART INSTRUCTION THEY GET)

Friday I fly to Phoenix to reuinte with a bunch of other 40-somethings who connected during marching band in the 80's.

Yes, I am pacing myself.

Yes, I am delegating when and where possible

Yes, I am going to bed now.

heavy heart - secondary and terciary compassion fatigue

My friend's day care worker suffered the worse nightmare... a baby died of pneumonia - believed cause - while in her care

Another friend is a nanny for a family with twin 8 yr old girls and a 4 yr old son. One of the twins died to day from a 2 1/2 week illness - exact illness unknown at this time

A friend of mine is stuck in a rut and struggling with seeing the resources right in front of him to climb out

Another friend is coveting prayers for a co-worker and friend as her husband is in the hospital for chest pains

Had a run in with a bully this week (bully = someone so hurt and afraid they hurt and intimidate others)

Too many friends struggling with financial challenges

too many people living in fear, with out a sense of hope, and feeling alone

God, creator, savior... I can do nothing for these people but lift them up to you and trust in your ways. It will all make sense someday.

Until then, my heart will continue to break and be open to your love and guidance

What are the odds?

621 applicants 

96 called for interviews

45 awards to be given.

This is for the Ford ReStart scholarship. If I get it, I will be able to attend school full time in the fall. 

My interview is at 10:30am on the 26th of May.

Prayers greatly appreciated!

The waiting game

I have applied for a significant scholarship. If awarded, I go to school full time in the fall. If not, I go part time and find a full time job. The wait comes in that the interviews for the scholarships are occuring the week of May 26th (3 weeks later than last year). Final announcements are not made until mid- June. 

My job ends June 30th.

If I GET the scholarship, I have some part-time work available to me.

If I DON'T get it, I need to join the 1,000's of others looking for a job.

I struggle with wanting to put myself out there now and not knowing if I will be able to accept what is offered. One friend said, "If you can't do it, there are 12 others behind you who will try."

Prayers, please.