Journeying to the Outside of Myself

So, I've been thinking...dangerous, eh? :) As I begin to ponder my purpose in life, I unavoidably run into the mission of all Christians. Yes, go into all the world.

Recently, I ran across a scripture passage twice in two totally different settings.

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. I Peter 2:9

I can totally see rejoicing with others when things are going great and pointing out that God is the giver of good things. But what does it mean to "show the goodness of God" to someone in a hopeless situation? For example, I have an older brother who I don't talk to very often. Recently we have begun chatting again. He is going through tremendous depression that was set off by watching his friends get in a horrific car wreck and being unable to do anything to help them as the vehicle burned up. He's not a follower Christ. So, as I talk with him, my heart goes out to him and I feel his pain but somehow stumble at what can I say that will ease his pain? How can I show him God's goodness in this?

This past week-end, he was in a wreck himself as he decided to drink while he is taking an anti-depressant. He, wearing no seat belt, rolled his truck several times and totalled it but he wasn't severely hurt. My heart rejoiced when I heard him say "There's obviously someone else out there looking out for me because I shouldn't even be alive."

"Yes, there is and He's always been!" I replied.

I pray for him daily, check in with him, and let him know that I am here! Besides, God is a constant faithful kind of God. Is there more to God's goodness that I can be showing him? I desperately want to see him surrender his life to Christ. Why? Not because his life will be perfect or even easy but because he will a friend that sticks closer than a brother, our Lord who can redeem and save us from our empty lives!

Here I Am

Ok. So, I'm here and ready to begin this journey of blogging. I think I will first apologize in advance to all of those people who seem to communicate so elegantly and have perfect grammar because well, I don't! I'm not a logical thinker so obviously my thoughts really are random.

Currently, and for the last 7 years, I have been overseeing the kids ministry at the Vineyard. When I originally "signed up" for the job, I thought, "Okay, I can fill in and surely God will bring the right person along soon!" There have been a lot of ups and downs. The ups being seeing the kids grow and respond to God is so many different ways, having fun and building relationships with them, and learning so many cool ways to teach the kids the Bible. The downs being constantly piecing together a monthly schedule, feeling like the detested salesperson that shows up at your door seeking to get you serving in the kids ministry. the constant feeling that there's so much to do that I don't know where to start or even what do, and finally, but not least, the overwhelming internal battle that my family isn't getting enough of my attention because my energy is gone!

Well, here I am going into my 8th year..and surprise, surprise, the "right" person hasn't shown up. But God has been faithful to show me and Matt that it's not where I am supposed to be and I am willing to step aside and see what God is going to do with the kids here at the Vineyard.

So, I am going to be taking a break from kids ministry to refocus and to allow the remaining kids team to transition things (without feeling as though I am watching over them).

My heart is relieved that this day has finally arrived and yet a little nervous that I won't hear what God has for me next. But, one thing I do know, I will wait on Him!

Isaiah 40:31

Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.