I said, "I am available Oh Lord" and now I am leading a youth group

Who'd a thunk it!?!?  It's true, I am now leading a youth group.  I don't know for how long - but for as long as I am doing it, I am going to do it as if I am going to be doing it forever!  Meaning - I am giving it My All. 

How'd it happen?!?!  In November of this past 2014, our Associate/Worship Pastor  - who was the interim Youth Pastor after our long time Youth Pastors resigned about a year or so ago before - himself - he and his wife - took another position in a church several hours away.  I was already leading the Young Adult Ministry - 25y/o and younger, who sometimes palled around with the older youth anyway, so it made sense to me.    There was also no one else expressing interest in doing it. So, since about December, we meet as one combined group on Wednesday nights and then I do a special session for Young Adults on Sunday nights.

What'd ya think?!?!  I think it's a challenge, but I am having fun.  There definitely is a generation gap and a learning curve, but the "kids" have been gracious.  The young adults who come have helped take on leadership when I divide the teaching time into smaller groups - and the kids keep coming back weekly!  Some are bringing friends, and some of the friends are "sticking around".  WE do a lot of laughing! It is also becoming quite clear that an ADD diagnosis went undetected in my youth (all this time I blamed my behaviors on chocolate)!

So what's in store for the future?!?!  Truly, only God knows.  As our small congregation continues to seek God for direction/guidance - I remain open that God might provide someone who has a proven call for Youth Minsitry to begin attending.  For as long as this door remains open and God ushers me in, I will continue to move forward and be the best Youth Leader, I can be. I am going to pray, prepare and plan, As much as it depends on me I am going to demonstrate dependability, commitment, availability, responsibility. I pray that our Youth and Young adults continue to grow in their faith and look forward to the way God will use them to reach their generation.

FLAT YOLANDA MEETS THE RAGGEDYS

What I love about this is....my coworker decorated her guest room in her new home with my favorite color (yellow) and something I collect  (Raggedy Ann and Andy)  - She had NO idea.  So, when she told me about the room, I claimed it my own and have invited myself to be one of her first guests.  Well I have yet to see it!  Flat Yolanda, however, has seen it and even had a chance to spend the night!!!!  Now, via these photos I have a glimpse of "my" room!

YELLOW *****FLOWERS*****What makes me smile

Droopy Babies after being left at work over the weekend! :(

After a bit of water, starting to perk up

They are fighters!!!!

Half way "back to life"

FLAT Yolanda and the adventure begins

So here she is....FLAT Yolanda.  When my client gave this to me, I am certain it was not with this "name" in mind, but one of my co-workers saw it on my wall one day and said it...FLAT Yolanda! I chuckled and tacked her to my wall.  Today, however, FLAT Yolanda appeared to be lacking adventure.  So with it being Spring Break, and several co workers planning vacation, I decided that FLAT Yolanda needed to go along.  And what a better place to journal her experiences than on my new BLOG....so stay tuned for some occasional updates on FLAT Yolanda's travels!!!

Welcome

Welcome to my new blog!  Excited to post on here from time to time about the wonderful adventures that I am having in my walk with my fabulous LORD!   I turned 50 years old six months ago and feel like I have more energy and more excitement at life than I did 20 years ago.   I have NOT stopped living, and really am surprised at some of the new undertakings that have begun for me in the past year.  I catch myself thinking...."Who'd a Thunk It!"  So,

I feel like 50 is the The New 30 - and I am out to encourage all "middle - agers" to take life by the "horns" and Enjoy the Ride!!!!!