Jr. High Kidnapping!!

At the crack of dawn on Saturday morning,(6...but hey, its a Saturday) Jason (the Youth pastor)..had this cool idea to "kidnap" some unsuspecting junior highers that were soundly asleep in their beds...(insert creepy laughing sound)So, Of course we were totally in!!!

First we pick up Natalie!

Then Renee & Rebekah


Followed by Vincent...

Then Janelle

and Justin...

and Sara

On to get Isaac...no picture...
Then, on to Dennys for breakfast!!!



The BEST part, for me, was seeing where all the kids live and getting a peek into their world. I have to admit it was pretty cool seeing them all "messed up and tired" looking to, but in all fairness I specifically didn't wear makeup...just to fit in with them! (I won't mention the fact that I didn't wash off my makeup from the night before, so in truth I had a little on my eyes)

So, here is my breakdown of the morning:
Janelle: not a morning person, does not like surprises...
Renee: orders her food by pointing at it on the menu:)
Rebekah: Doesn't like scary movies
Natalie: her house smells like Thanksgiving and Christmas...sooo yummy
Sara: is very cultured in her food palate
Justin: is into computers
Isaac: likes to always look his best
Vincent: likes to listen to Kutless and Reliant K
Junior Highers: Love em, love their energy, love their eagerness to let you know them!
Myself: At least 3 cups of coffee before I "lighten" up in the am...
Trav: The most consistent man you will EVER meet
Jason: likes Tai food, has a HUGE heart for the youth
Krista: isn't a morning person either, gives her all at everything she does:)
Jessica: luvs her brother and has such a sweet relationship with him...reminds me of my brother and I


What an amazing way to start our day!!!

About my Father

Luke 2:48-50
Mary, understandably hurt that Jesus had chosen to hang back in Jerusalem and leave them to worry about His safety, asked Him (Jesus) a question vs. 48 "Son, why have you treated us like this" His response, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Fathers house?"
The words "had to" some from the Greek word dei, meaning something that is "inevitable in the nature of things"...Father and Son had the same nature, Jesus was drawn to God, not as a believer, but as an overpowering magnet---two pieces of the same whole.

Have you ever just watched a father and son (or daughter) together? The way they walk, talk, or their mannerisms? They have so many of the same qualities. Even the slightest way they hold their head when they speak, or the way they look when they are concentrating...The same nature, the same heart, the same passions. This happens naturally when you spend so much time with someone.

I desire to have the same nature, same heart, same passion as my God.
Am i drawn to God, am I pulled in His direction with magnetism, do I yearn/desire to "be about my Father"? Will I leave all others and seek Him out, just to sit at His feet and listen?
Answer: Yes and No...

My hearts desire is to be about God. Not about my own agenda, not about ministry, not about ME....BUT
My flesh desires to always be first, be the cutest, have the best...and always be win. (I'm very competitive)

As a Christian (by my definition) I am a walking "conflict". Always wanting to do one thing and knowing you should do another.
There is a daily decision for me to parallel my life to the Lords,to love as He loved, to give as He gave, to sacrifice as He sacrificed, to forgive as He forgave , to embrace as He embraced

Today, I am just burdened with the realization that my flesh is sometimes stronger than my heart, and it saddens me that I fail. Newsflash: I AM NOT PERFECT!! Nor do I want to be, with perfection there is no learning and the day I stop learning about the Lord is the day I become ALL about ME...

So I will continue my journey...Being about my Father...
Love as He
Give as He
Sacrifice as HE
Forgive as He
Embrace as He
My hearts desire is to be about God, not my own agenda, not about ME.