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learning from kids

big stuf 09 was stinking amazing...i've done youth ministry for almost 20 years now in some form.
god is amazing...i know that! i have lived that. i have learned that. i have seen it. i have felt it...so why does it get so hard sometimes to remember it in every day life.

here's some things the lord refreshed for me this last week...
i love high school students. they rock my face off. these kids are dying to be heard and loved and loved and accepted...and guided. katie is one of my girlies...i've had her in my small group her entire high school career...and i love her. she embodies passion and strength. i need to remember that every day.
my daughter, paige, is awesome...i don't need to tell you that. i love her laughter...this is my candid shot of the "dead puppy" joke. {it's the serious baby from you tube}. one of the gifts that i love is laughter and in that laughter, people are real. i was reminded over and over last week how awesome paige is...not only as my kid, but as a friend, a mentor, a daughter of god.
and my hannah...she's got this stinking heart of gold. full of compassion...and she's no longer a student of mine, but a fellow adult leader. now that just makes my heart sing!!! not any adult leader either, but my paige's adult leader...hannah has a servant's heart. i want more and more of that.
worship is a lifestyle...i know that. i try to live it. it's more than music or singing, but man, did i worship this last week. there's something totally awesome about seeing kids loving god and worshipping him in so many ways...and with total, reckless abandonment.
ayla is no longer in high school...she's a college student as of this fall. she's s real life "cady" from mean girls...on the africa side of things, anyway. ayla always has a way of just "being". i don't really know how to say it differently, but she just gives her EVERYTHING...she's 100% all the time...in fun, in faith, in friendships, in life.
and me...well, i'm a sinner, saved solely by god's grace. living in a world where i struggle every single day with not feeling pretty enough, not being skinny enough, not being just "enough". i love the lord. i seek him. i pray daily, "change me...don't leave me as i am"...and i'm pretty sure that he allowed me to see that change in physical form this last week in my students.
and that, well, that is a total honor and blessing.

we sang together...we cried together...we laughed together...we traveled 18 hours on the bus together...we grew together...we loved together...we snored, well, i snored...we were JUST together.

"But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,
what God is looking for in men and women.
It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,
be compassionate and loyal in your love,
And don't take yourself too seriously—
take God seriously." micah 6:8

i'm with angie today...so check her out too! and ww and mostly ww!!!

Comments

debi9kids said…
What a blessing you are to them and I know what a blessing those kids are for you.
I LOVE working with teens and pre-teens. Those moments when you just see the Lord touch their souls is amazing.
Blessings to you!
brionyskerjance said…
what an awesome group of girls. they are blessed to have someone to mentor them and love on them. its beautiful how people from all stages of life can challenge one another.
Loved your post today. =)
GypsiAdventure said…
That's beautiful - What an amazing group of girls and a true testament to gods love and your leadership as his disciple.
~K
Wow, that sounds so amazing!
Jen said…
this is a beautiful post. thanks for reminding me too.
oh the lessons children (or teens) teach us.
Michelle said…
What a wonderful WW!
Sheila said…
What a great set of photos and story behind them. Thank you for sharing.
The Blonde Duck said…
This gives me hope for the future.
Anonymous said…
You have no idea how you moved me with this post. I think you're awesome and I love your love for the kids. You are beautiful and I just want you to know it.
JennyMac said…
Great post and love the pics. Especially the one capturing full laughter.
Leslee P said…
That is so amazing that you get to go and be a group leader. Too much fun! I just loved church camp growing up, it was one of my favorite times of the year. I made one of my bff's there and we will forever be connected at the hip...
Cheryl Lage said…
So so lovely...each and every one. LOVE your blog! Thank you so much for coming by mine...hope you will often!

(and you SOOO don't need multiples to play along with Way Back When-esday...we'd be thrilled if you play in whichever way you wish!)

Blessings!
Live.Love.Eat said…
Wow. YOU are an inspiration and those kids are so lucky to have you. And we're all lucky that you spread God's love................
Sara Elizabeth said…
What an awesome post. I love this.
Carrie said…
What beautiful words and what a blessing for the kids to have you as a leader!
Keri said…
Super fabulous post!
Megan said…
Sounds like your time there was beyond amazing!! What a gift and a blessing!!

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