I certainly do crack up at the craziness of youth ministry, but this week has been a sobering reminder that along with the laughter there are tears of devastation. Today instead of cracking up at the craziness, I am crying over a calamity.
When you feel called by the Lord to invest in the lives of your community's youth, you cannot help but grow to love the students that you spend time with. And we do. When we moved here 4 1/2 years ago, Tony bonded almost instantly with a couple of junior high guys that he spent a lot of time with. We loved having them over at our apartment for dinner, celebrating Christmas with them, and cheering them on in sports. Those boys are now seniors in high school, but instead of visiting them in the school cafeteria today, Tony visited one of them in jail, on his way to federal prison to serve a 10 year sentence. Our hearts are breaking.
A series of unwise choices led this young man to his conviction. We will continue to pray for him, come alongside him, and beg God to restore His life, draw him to Himself, and bring healing into his brokeness. Our hearts break because we love him and want God's best for him.
We are committed to youth ministry because we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Jesus is the answer for a lost and hurting world. This young man has heard the truth of God's love for Him many times over but has yet to accept that free gift. Pray along with us that He will surrender to Jesus, seek forgiveness, and choose repentance. There is a better way. Sin masks itself as fulfilling and fun, but it always comes up empty. I have found it out for myself time and time again. I'm reminded today that without the forgiveness of a Savior, life is desperate and hopeless. I do not mean to say that with Jesus we never make poor choices or life is somehow easier, but there is forgiveness and we are given strength to do what's right - and that makes life so much better.
If you happen to read this blog and you don't know how much God loves you, how amazing his plan for your life is, or how to have a relationship with Jesus - I'd love to talk to you about that or I'd encourage you to start reading the Bible. If you feel like you've tried everything and you're still coming up empty, I assure you Jesus is the answer. If you're afraid because you know Christians that annoy you, or you have been burned by the church, or you struggle to admit you need help - just surrender to Jesus. He makes life worth living!
My heart breaks for this young man because I know he is afraid and lost. My heart rejoices because I am confident of the truth of God's word - "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." I am so thankful for God's forgiveness in my life and so full of hope that others can experience His goodness.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Sister of a YP
Since this blog was originally created to document the hilarity and joy of youth ministry from my mind's eye, I thought it fitting to share a little something about my second favorite youth pastor on the planet - Mike Howard.
I got a phone call from Mike the other day. It went a little something like this...
Cari: Hello?
Mike: Oh, sorry, I'm driving and I just crashed.
Cari: WHAT?!? Are you okay?
Mike: Oh yeah, I'm just driving around on the Hover Round.
Cari: Why?!?! Are you injured?!
Mike: Yeah.
Cari: What happened?
Mike: Huh? I thought you asked if I was in church.
Cari: No, I asked if you were injured.
Mike: Oh. No, I just like to drive this thing around.
Mike is my old(er) brother. He's the Pastor of High School Ministries at Constance Free Church in Andover, MN. Apparently on occasion he cruises around the church on one of these...
Mike is crazy. He is hilarious. He is brilliant (believe it or not). He is exceptional at what he does, even though his hover round skills need some polishing. As much as I'd love to be in possession of a picture of Mike on the Hover Round, I'm not. However, in case you're wondering, Mike's recent facebook profile pic looks like this...
Handsome, eh? I am so proud to say that people often comment on how much we look alike. Mike's 2 1/2 year old son Jimmy loves pointing this picture out to us on their fridge and saying, "Look at Daddy's mustache - ahhahahahahahahaha!" That sums it up nicely.
I hope you weren't too creeped out by that photo to continue reading because if I can capture even a piece of Mike's incredible talent and heart in this blog, you'll be awfully glad you stuck around. Mike truly is exceptional at what he does. I have a feeling there are a hundred high school students and countless others who have been touched by Mike's ministry who would be quick to agree.
My big brother Mike has been my most influential role model (alongside my brother James and sister Kelsey). Because he's perfect? Nope. Because he is the most doting, adoring big brother? Not hardly (at least he pretends not to be). Because he loves Jesus and boldly confesses his faith? Yes. Because he is a student of the Word and a brilliant theologian? Yes. Because under his hysterically funny antics, crazy pranks, and sarcasm there is a heart that loves people and longs to see them changed by the Gospel? Yes.
Mike set the bar for me in many ways growing up. I watched him as a high school student and challenged myself to be like him - to make my faith known, to be an excellent student, to love my parents. In college, I watched Mike invest in his friendships by loving friends like Jesus loved them and I attempted to follow his example. As God brought us into youth ministry, Tony and I often look to Mike for wisdom and insight.
As much as I'd like to go on bragging about Mike, I know he would not appreciate it, so I guess I won't. I will however brag about how lucky I am to be related to not one, but two youth pastors. That makes for some seriously crazy family get-togethers (think cinnamon challenge).
On a more serious note, Mike is a tremendously gifted preacher. If you'd like to be challenged by an incredible message, click here and listen to Mike's 1/29/12 sermon - Resolve to Make a Difference.
And, one last thing...Mike & his wife Jenny are amazing parents to Jimmy (2 1/2) and Emma (1 month). Tony and I look up to them a lot. Look how beautiful they are...
I got a phone call from Mike the other day. It went a little something like this...
Cari: Hello?
Mike: Oh, sorry, I'm driving and I just crashed.
Cari: WHAT?!? Are you okay?
Mike: Oh yeah, I'm just driving around on the Hover Round.
Cari: Why?!?! Are you injured?!
Mike: Yeah.
Cari: What happened?
Mike: Huh? I thought you asked if I was in church.
Cari: No, I asked if you were injured.
Mike: Oh. No, I just like to drive this thing around.
Mike is my old(er) brother. He's the Pastor of High School Ministries at Constance Free Church in Andover, MN. Apparently on occasion he cruises around the church on one of these...
Handsome, eh? I am so proud to say that people often comment on how much we look alike. Mike's 2 1/2 year old son Jimmy loves pointing this picture out to us on their fridge and saying, "Look at Daddy's mustache - ahhahahahahahahaha!" That sums it up nicely.
I hope you weren't too creeped out by that photo to continue reading because if I can capture even a piece of Mike's incredible talent and heart in this blog, you'll be awfully glad you stuck around. Mike truly is exceptional at what he does. I have a feeling there are a hundred high school students and countless others who have been touched by Mike's ministry who would be quick to agree.
My big brother Mike has been my most influential role model (alongside my brother James and sister Kelsey). Because he's perfect? Nope. Because he is the most doting, adoring big brother? Not hardly (at least he pretends not to be). Because he loves Jesus and boldly confesses his faith? Yes. Because he is a student of the Word and a brilliant theologian? Yes. Because under his hysterically funny antics, crazy pranks, and sarcasm there is a heart that loves people and longs to see them changed by the Gospel? Yes.
Mike set the bar for me in many ways growing up. I watched him as a high school student and challenged myself to be like him - to make my faith known, to be an excellent student, to love my parents. In college, I watched Mike invest in his friendships by loving friends like Jesus loved them and I attempted to follow his example. As God brought us into youth ministry, Tony and I often look to Mike for wisdom and insight.
As much as I'd like to go on bragging about Mike, I know he would not appreciate it, so I guess I won't. I will however brag about how lucky I am to be related to not one, but two youth pastors. That makes for some seriously crazy family get-togethers (think cinnamon challenge).
On a more serious note, Mike is a tremendously gifted preacher. If you'd like to be challenged by an incredible message, click here and listen to Mike's 1/29/12 sermon - Resolve to Make a Difference.
And, one last thing...Mike & his wife Jenny are amazing parents to Jimmy (2 1/2) and Emma (1 month). Tony and I look up to them a lot. Look how beautiful they are...
Monday, February 27, 2012
Baby Brain
My brother recently told me something that explains so much of what I've been feeling! I don't remember exactly what he said or who he said said it (which helps prove the point I'm about to make), but it went something like this... "A woman's brain capacity decreases by #% (i have no clue what the percentage was) for every child she has under 8 years old."* Don't worry, he went on to say that you do indeed regain that brain capacity as your children get older. I'm certain this was said with a certain level of humor, but I feel as if I am living, breathing, scientific evidence to validate that statement and I only have one child under 8!
I wish I could remember all of the ridiculous things I have said, done, thought, forgot, meant to do, thought I did but didn't do since I have had a baby. It would be quite hysterical if I could only remember them. I must jot down the few that do come to mind, in hopes that some other Moms out there can make me feel better with their similar stories.
1. The nicknames I call Myka are absolutely ridiculous. My mouth often moves faster than my brain, so the names that come out for her are crazy. I'll share a few....Mister (we often call her Maester because her middle name is Mae, but I have referred to her as Mister on multiple occasions), Maester Mae, Maester Wid, Bubba (what?!?), snugga bunny (maybe i saw a toy named this?), sweet pea apple of my eye, Michael (yes - i've accidentally called her Michael), stinker, stink pot, and I'm getting embarrassed so we'll be done with this list now.
2. Laundry mishaps. Somehow adding one little tiny girl to our household quintupled our laundry load. I've had my fair share of goof ups with the washer and drier. I managed to wash and dry my retainer (which I wore faithfully EVERY night for six years. I miss it terribly). I pulled a load of laundry out of the drier and then turned around, saw it in the laundry basket and put it right back in the washer. I found my wedding ring in a pile of dirty laundry on the laundry room floor. I also found it in the washer on another occassion - not good! And, of course, I turned a load of whites pink.
3. Overdue water bills. This one makes me furious!! Our water bill is the only bill I have (besides our tithe) that I cannot pay online. I have to pull my checkbook out and mail or drop off a check every month. Somehow EVERY month of Myka's sweet life, I have been late by ONE STINKING day and that has cost me $10/month.
I feel like I need to do a SUDOKU every night or something to regain little pieces of my brain that are slipping away. Any other tips from experienced Mamas?
*Just heard from Mike...brain capacity decreases by 11% per child according to Bill Simmons.
I wish I could remember all of the ridiculous things I have said, done, thought, forgot, meant to do, thought I did but didn't do since I have had a baby. It would be quite hysterical if I could only remember them. I must jot down the few that do come to mind, in hopes that some other Moms out there can make me feel better with their similar stories.
1. The nicknames I call Myka are absolutely ridiculous. My mouth often moves faster than my brain, so the names that come out for her are crazy. I'll share a few....Mister (we often call her Maester because her middle name is Mae, but I have referred to her as Mister on multiple occasions), Maester Mae, Maester Wid, Bubba (what?!?), snugga bunny (maybe i saw a toy named this?), sweet pea apple of my eye, Michael (yes - i've accidentally called her Michael), stinker, stink pot, and I'm getting embarrassed so we'll be done with this list now.
2. Laundry mishaps. Somehow adding one little tiny girl to our household quintupled our laundry load. I've had my fair share of goof ups with the washer and drier. I managed to wash and dry my retainer (which I wore faithfully EVERY night for six years. I miss it terribly). I pulled a load of laundry out of the drier and then turned around, saw it in the laundry basket and put it right back in the washer. I found my wedding ring in a pile of dirty laundry on the laundry room floor. I also found it in the washer on another occassion - not good! And, of course, I turned a load of whites pink.
3. Overdue water bills. This one makes me furious!! Our water bill is the only bill I have (besides our tithe) that I cannot pay online. I have to pull my checkbook out and mail or drop off a check every month. Somehow EVERY month of Myka's sweet life, I have been late by ONE STINKING day and that has cost me $10/month.
I feel like I need to do a SUDOKU every night or something to regain little pieces of my brain that are slipping away. Any other tips from experienced Mamas?
*Just heard from Mike...brain capacity decreases by 11% per child according to Bill Simmons.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
SAHM
As of a few weeks ago, I am now a full-time SAHM (stay at home Mom for those of you who don't frequent babycenter.com). Ha - I still don't know half of the acronyms I read on that website, so I always feel like such a rookie of a Mom. Anyways, it's a tremendous blessing and honor to be able to focus my time and energy on loving my husband and baby girl.
There are a few things I have come to love about this job...
1. Wearing leggings for the better part of the day most days... There is nothing more comfortable than leggings and when you aren't leaving the house, there is no reason that you shouldn't be wearing them (with the exception of the awkward moment when an Edward Jones rep decides to knock on the door to "get to know people in the community" in the middle of the afternoon - seriously?! Why'd I open the door??)
2. Getting the mail...It's the small things, ya know. Getting bundled up for a trip to the mailbox and a breath of fresh air with Myka has become a real treat....hurry spring! :)
3. The sound of Daddy's car pulling in the driveway. Aaaahh - the best noise ever! I know Myka agrees, her smiles prove it. It's a sweet little blessing to be able to get so excited about seeing Tony now that we're not working together.
4. Keeping an extra tidy house. I am certain that Myka adores housekeeping :). She's a trooper in her ergo carrier as we go about dusting, vacuuming, laundrying. I guarantee that now that I've said this, the moment YOU - whoever you may be - stop over at my house, it will be a complete disaster.
5. Focusing on family. It's so good to be able to focus in on my most important jobs without making them compete for time with other priorities. Myka's little heart is so precious. I'm humbled to be able to teach and invest in her all day long.
6. Snacking. I get to snack on the delicious goodies in my kitchen all day. Oops...i really shouldn't have made that a public confession. This may very well be a drawback of getting to spend time in my kitchen all day.
Well, before I go accidentally making any other crazy confessions (like how I don't use an alarm clock anymore), I better finish this post with a couple disclaimers: Myka and I do leave the house and I think wife and mom are absolutely incredible, serious, worthy callings on a woman's life that I do not mean to poke fun at...even though I can manage to laugh at some of the stereotypes I'm realizing fit me quite nicely.
There are a few things I have come to love about this job...
1. Wearing leggings for the better part of the day most days... There is nothing more comfortable than leggings and when you aren't leaving the house, there is no reason that you shouldn't be wearing them (with the exception of the awkward moment when an Edward Jones rep decides to knock on the door to "get to know people in the community" in the middle of the afternoon - seriously?! Why'd I open the door??)
2. Getting the mail...It's the small things, ya know. Getting bundled up for a trip to the mailbox and a breath of fresh air with Myka has become a real treat....hurry spring! :)
3. The sound of Daddy's car pulling in the driveway. Aaaahh - the best noise ever! I know Myka agrees, her smiles prove it. It's a sweet little blessing to be able to get so excited about seeing Tony now that we're not working together.
4. Keeping an extra tidy house. I am certain that Myka adores housekeeping :). She's a trooper in her ergo carrier as we go about dusting, vacuuming, laundrying. I guarantee that now that I've said this, the moment YOU - whoever you may be - stop over at my house, it will be a complete disaster.
5. Focusing on family. It's so good to be able to focus in on my most important jobs without making them compete for time with other priorities. Myka's little heart is so precious. I'm humbled to be able to teach and invest in her all day long.
6. Snacking. I get to snack on the delicious goodies in my kitchen all day. Oops...i really shouldn't have made that a public confession. This may very well be a drawback of getting to spend time in my kitchen all day.
Well, before I go accidentally making any other crazy confessions (like how I don't use an alarm clock anymore), I better finish this post with a couple disclaimers: Myka and I do leave the house and I think wife and mom are absolutely incredible, serious, worthy callings on a woman's life that I do not mean to poke fun at...even though I can manage to laugh at some of the stereotypes I'm realizing fit me quite nicely.
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