holy (moly) moments

So, I just have to say that I had some amazing moments at a birthday party today. 

I was invited by the birthday boy...who was celebrating his 12th birthday. 
I enjoyed getting to know his family as he played video games with a cousin.  We enjoyed may snacks and homemade pizza (super delish).  We laughed, I heard stories...then they realized I was the minister.  Interesting questions from the Catholics, mostly about the call process and different names for things. 

But the birthday boy, he didn't hold back.  He asked what saints were...what elders were (in the Mormon church), he asked about what Jewish people believe...he asked what a prophet was....great questions....and in the middle of them all, he asked a question about what certain people's duties are, and then he laughed and said, 'duty' (followed by more laughing.) Grandpa said, what, I don't get it....we said, you're not a 12 year old boy.... heh, heh, duty :)

In the midst of it I told his mom and that's why I love your son....he is just a boy, whose mind is racing and growing...eager to learn and grow and be mature, but in the midst of it he's still just a kid.
And she loves that he asks questions and loves that the senior pastor and myself take time to answer each one of them. 

On the way home I realized that's why I love middle schoolers.  They are still young at heart and eager to play, but have these perplexing questions about life and faith and everything around them are eager to soak up as much as possible.  How cool is it that I'm called into the lives and faith journeys of youth....I think it's pretty amazing.

It was also great because last night, after a fun gathering, a mom (of a 10 yr. old) was talking about reasons for not having her child do confirmation (when it's her time)...the top reason being....Sunday afternoon is family time.  We didn't have time to unpack this as it was 9:30 on a Friday night...and the Pampered Chef party was winding down.  But I couldn't stop thinking about it...until I fell asleep...and I think it fueled me on my run today, as well...huh...really?  They attend church and Sunday School regularly....but this concern about losing 'family time' and that the kids can just join the church when they get older....and as I think about it more and more...I think, why wouldn't you want your child to share in that journey with others...with ones like the boy I spent the afternoon with today...to share and grow...and build relationships....and share your sense of family with other youth...
Ah...my mind will ponder, and there will be prayer and conversations with the senior pastor and the christian ed director....and we'll see what the future brings. 

But I'm thankful for the moments today...and more of those moments where God breaks into the most unexpected places. 

until next time...

cut, color, coffee & a book.

While my hair was in foil & was absorbing color I enjoyed the next chapter of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. I'm thankful to be able to attend this women's book study at church and not be responsible for leading it. I have the opportunity to connect with women at church and bed led by them, as well. Win. Win.

I had a great experience with my new hairdresser. Great conversation and relaxing setting. The coffee while I read was perfect.

And now a bit of the Youth ministry book before heading over to church for 5th quarter. 2 hours with high school youth after the basketball game. A fine was to end a good day.

I had a a stellar shopping experience today. I saw the dress on the mannequin and liked it. I put it on and swore in the dressing room. It's a perfect fit! Looking forward to Valentine's dinner next week with my sweetie. :)

Until tomorrow...

calling it a night.

So, I had the chance to read more of the youth ministry book today.

The other part to reading every day is that I get home from work and plop myself in front of the tv....or I stay up super late sucked into the food network.  Needless to say, it was great to veg out with a book this evening before I camped out for Archer and Unsupervised.

So now I'll turn off FX and enjoy the Rachael Ray mag that came in the mail today.

Until tomorrow...

reading....writing....rithmatic?

So it's February.  I'm not sure what happened to the last week of January...but here's Feb.
I weighed in yesterday...and to my dismay I had put on 3 pounds.  And to make matters worse, last Thursday I fell down the stairs :( While it's not swelling like mad, there is a large bruise by my ankle and Achilles tendon.  So, I took three solid days off from running/walking/ellipticaling.  I walked on Monday and it was great to get out.  Yesterday I attempted an out and back.  I made it out 1/2 a mile and my ankle/tendon felt funky.  So I headed back home.  Today, however, I was super achy.

So tomorrow may be a walking day or another resting day.

The challenge/task/goal for the next 28 days is to take time to read every day.
Some time with a book for pleasure and some time with a book for work.

I read a few chapters of Overbite by Meg Cabot
What can I say, it's about a demon hunter who is trying to prove that soul-less vampires still have some good in them.  It's not in a Whedon-style, but I think I'll enjoy it.

I also made it through the introduction of Practicing Passion by Kenda Creasy Dean
It's a book that's been on my bookshelf at work for over a year.  One that I've been meaning to read, but haven't made the time for it.  Well, last weekend at the YouthQuake I was inspired by Tiger McLuen after he led two sessions with the adult leaders.

I was reminded by him to "not let the job I'm called to do get in the way of what God is calling me to do."  I was able last weekend, to have my passion and joy for pointing youth to the Gospel re-ignited.  We had some amazing youth and I'm blessed to be a prat of their lives and faith journeys.
I'm hoping this read continues to inspire and give me a continually new perspective with the youth I'm blessed to serve. 

Until tomorrow . . .