Monday morning.

The first night of youth group went great. It was strange at first not to have the (former) seniors there, especially because they were some of our core students. It will be good, though, to really build into and empower the younger classmen. We bounced, we worshipped, we played, we dunked, and we learned. So...we're all kicked off! God is good.

From September-December we are doing a series on the Apostles Creed. I am very grateful to have 3 men on my teaching team this year. As a woman in ministry, I think it is important to have male influence from the stage just as often as there is female. So that will be good. I am really looking forward to talking about the Almighty God this Wednesday night. I have a folder on my desktop with all my upcoming message topics inside. If God inspires me with a great illustration, verse, story, theological truth, etc.- it goes straight into that message's word doc. I love doing it this way because it keeps me thinking about sermons even when they're months away. Writing out a message is a definite process. Anyhow, this one in particular is one I'm excited about because the word document is just full of things God has been revealing to me for weeks now.

Sometimes pouring into the lives of students seems like this huge project- like building a house or baking a cake or something. It can be overwhelming until I realize my responsibility is to just be available for God to use me how he wants to use me. I don't have to be the builder or the baker. It's good to know I'm merely a tool in the midst of the discipleship process. (If I got to choose- I'd be those silicone spatulas that scrape off all the batter from the sides of the bowl...we love those things in our home.) That perspective keeps me on my knees a lot and reminds me that it's all about him.

And school? Well, the first day was fantastic. I walked away inspired, empowered, and feeling only slightly overwhelmed. Although this semester will be a lot, it will get done and at the end of it I'll be half way done with my M Div. I can do this. (won't you remind me of that in about 8 weeks?)

Okay...off to drink my Monday morning coffee and get to work. Shalom!