It is Crunch Time For VBS And That Means
...more yelling? Hahaha actually the youth groupers have been pretty good today. I think giving them a To-Do list helped, so that they could move on to the next thing on the list. But most of the yelling was at myself when I printed the T-Shirt transfers incorrectly. Wow. I'm a fool.
But today was a better day for me, outside of VBS (somewhat). Because yesterday I realized that I was burnt out and depressed. All the worrying about VBS and the frustration from working with the younger youth groupers kept discouraging me until I fell into some mild depression. It sucked, no joke. And the culprit was the usual: not spending enough time with Jesus. How appropriate the theme for VBS--"It all comes back to Jesus." So I'm making more of an effort to protect my time alone with the G man, and hopefully my joy will be restored. None of that anxiety lameness.
So here's to long days at church and prayer revivals. :)
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)
Birthday and Blessings
Today was a good friend's birthday so I thought I'd celebrate her life and just the amazing things God is doing through her.
I've totally been blessed by this sister even though she is younger than me. But everytime I go home to Fresno, she's always up to hang and we often have great and meaningful conversations about things we're learning in life. I love her as much as my sinful heart can, and I hope for more blessings in her life as she continues to grow into a beautiful and mature woman of God. Love you darling!
Also, I'm supposed to be leading worship for the youth retreat at my home church and I was very excited to have a very talented team this year...but I recently receive the unfortunate news that my drummer can't make it to the retreat. Shucks. But the awesome thing? Well I was hesitant to ask my LA friends if they were willing to drive up to help out because 1) they'd have to drive up here 2) they don't know anyone so it could be awkward 3) korean churccchhh awkwardness 4) they're most likely busy.
BUT I ventured out of my comfort zone and asked a talented friend of mine to drum. To my surprise he was actually excited to help out! His willingness to serve totally encouraged me :) but alas, he's working during the dates of the retreat. So I texted another talented drummer and he said he's interested too! I praise Jesus just for the willing hearts of my friends to help me out and worship God with their talents :) Mr. Dinosaur wants to fly over and play electric guitar and possibly bring a drummer friend but it's more of a hassle to fly from the east coast than it is to drive up from SoCal. But would you guys join me in praying for God's providence in who will be leading worship with me for this youth retreat? Thanks! :)
I've totally been blessed by this sister even though she is younger than me. But everytime I go home to Fresno, she's always up to hang and we often have great and meaningful conversations about things we're learning in life. I love her as much as my sinful heart can, and I hope for more blessings in her life as she continues to grow into a beautiful and mature woman of God. Love you darling!
Also, I'm supposed to be leading worship for the youth retreat at my home church and I was very excited to have a very talented team this year...but I recently receive the unfortunate news that my drummer can't make it to the retreat. Shucks. But the awesome thing? Well I was hesitant to ask my LA friends if they were willing to drive up to help out because 1) they'd have to drive up here 2) they don't know anyone so it could be awkward 3) korean churccchhh awkwardness 4) they're most likely busy.
BUT I ventured out of my comfort zone and asked a talented friend of mine to drum. To my surprise he was actually excited to help out! His willingness to serve totally encouraged me :) but alas, he's working during the dates of the retreat. So I texted another talented drummer and he said he's interested too! I praise Jesus just for the willing hearts of my friends to help me out and worship God with their talents :) Mr. Dinosaur wants to fly over and play electric guitar and possibly bring a drummer friend but it's more of a hassle to fly from the east coast than it is to drive up from SoCal. But would you guys join me in praying for God's providence in who will be leading worship with me for this youth retreat? Thanks! :)
I Haven't Posted in a Week
You'd think in summer I'd have more time to post, but not so much...
Still working on VBS planning and preparing. I think all the frustration and stress from VBS is affecting me physically. I got a small fever last night. Maybe it is God's way of reminding me not to worry and to trust in Him. Because a good reminder is needed every now and then, especially for me, the insistent individual who thinks she can fix everything on her own.
Not to mention the constant heartaches I'm trying to kick out of my system. Everytime someone hurts me and I hold back my natural reaction of yelling at them or seeking some sort of revenge... it feels like someone punches me in the stomach. Really hard. It's the frustration of being hurt and not being able to do anything about it except wait for Jesus to do His magic. It's the feeling of swallowing pride. It actually hurts. And I think it's been affecting my health too.
Well that's about enough for an update. I'll try to post more frequently, it's just that VBS and life is so...
Still working on VBS planning and preparing. I think all the frustration and stress from VBS is affecting me physically. I got a small fever last night. Maybe it is God's way of reminding me not to worry and to trust in Him. Because a good reminder is needed every now and then, especially for me, the insistent individual who thinks she can fix everything on her own.
Not to mention the constant heartaches I'm trying to kick out of my system. Everytime someone hurts me and I hold back my natural reaction of yelling at them or seeking some sort of revenge... it feels like someone punches me in the stomach. Really hard. It's the frustration of being hurt and not being able to do anything about it except wait for Jesus to do His magic. It's the feeling of swallowing pride. It actually hurts. And I think it's been affecting my health too.
Well that's about enough for an update. I'll try to post more frequently, it's just that VBS and life is so...
I Am Not Their Mother
But I couldn't help but tear up when my friends got baptized yesterday. I don't know them that well either; I just met them about less than a year ago. I had the opportunity to hang out with a few of them during vacation because I'd be in Fresno during winter break, spring break, summer break, etc... but during a big chunk of the year when school was in session I wasn't really around to see them grow. But it's so very encouraging to see them publicly profess their faith after learning about Jesus through their friends.
I've seen a lot of young kids in youth groups just "try church" because all their friends are doing it, and it gives them something to do during the weekends and retreat seasons. As a result, I've seen a lot of people leave church after something else comes up (a sport, school, a relationship). Or I've seen a lot of people become lukewarm after they graduate high school and leave youth group because they didn't build a strong enough foundation while in high school.
My hope and prayer for these kids is that they continue to profess their faith by living a life reflecting Jesus...and I'm excited to see how they'll grow in their relationship with God and everyone else. I hope that as they go off to college that their relationship will be guarded and they would find a strong community of faith where they can both grow and serve. :) Happy days!
A Firepit Gathering Even If It's Hot in Fresno
A friend wanted to have a barbeque but couldn't get a grill at his home so instead he dug a whole and lined it with cinderblocks to make a firepit. It worked out pretty well and it was a pretty chill night. I especially enjoyed the s'mores :) He said he brought a grill top from home depot so next time we can actually cook some patties and dogs. :) I love the summer...except for the 110-degree weather in Fresno. :p
