Tuesday, August 30, 2011

New Design

Here with the youth group at Grace, we have been throwing around the idea of changing our name and logo. Rebranding ourselves would be the best way to describe it. Well, yesterday I had the chance to sit down with someone skilled at this and we created a new logo and design. I am super excited to show it to the kids and give them a chance to get pumped about it. Check back tomorrow and see what the next generation of JOLT will look like!

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Job and the Ark

On Wednesday night we have completed our study of the book of Job. Now I have a problem with calling Job, Noah. I realize they are different people and I know the difference, but I continue to make that verbal goof. Job is a fascinating study and there are some powerful lessons in there for all of us. The main lesson that I wanted my students to hear is that God is always in control. Not only is He always in control, He has ALWAYS been in control. As we read the line of questioning that God gives to Job towards the end of the book, that point is made exceedingly clear. God created everything from the earth and the heavens to the donkey and the dinosaurs.
If we really believe that God is the creator of all, then that should help us to better believe that He is completely in control of all that happens. I expressed to the students, that as a teenager it is sometimes difficult to understand this and live your life with this knowledge. Many things happen that cause us to question God and wonder why certain things happen to us and those around us.
All I can say is the sooner we can all come to grips that God is in control and His plans for us are for our best, then we can serve God better and share our faith more confidently.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Youth Services

This past weekend our JOLT group had the opportunity to lead our two Sunday morning services. I was able to step aside and let the students share about our summer experiences. The first part of the summer was spent working with a summer outreach at the Pekin Housing Authority. Our students planned all aspects of this from the Bible lessons, to the snacks and games and crafts. It was truly a blessing to see them put this together for students 1st - 6th grade. We also offered a sports camp for the older students in the area and they also had Bible lessons and a time of prayer each day.
These students continue to amaze and bless me on a daily basis. On this Sunday of sharing, many of the students shared about their personal experiences and exactly what God has taught them this past summer. One thing that is critical for us all to remember is that God can and will teach us in whatever situation we find ourselves in. These students are incredible reminders of that for me!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Sore, but good

There are definitely times I start to feel my age, today is one of those days. I was blessed and able to spen Thursday and Friday moving one of my girls stuff to college. (A student here at church who I treat like my own)  God has been so good to my family as we work to figure out all this ministry that we have been called to do. But, living alongside kids and serving them is such a joy and brings christ to life for me. He served and loved and I want to show that to these kids and to my own kids as well.