The NEW Job

I guess I didn't think anyone read this thing, but much to my surprise, my friend Katelin told me today that she misses it.

I figured I could take a few minutes from my already buzzing job, to let you into my world as one of two regional administrators for the Young Life Southwest Region. Here are some quick facts about our region: we have nearly 100 staff (full-time and part time), 36 different areas in Arizona, New Mexico, and El Paso, Texas, with hundreds of volunteer leaders reaching thousands of teenagers and young adults. We have ministries to teenagers and young adults with disabilities (Capernaum), teenage mothers (YoungLives), college students, high schoolers, and middle schoolers.

Over the past couple years, I have discovered (and embraced) that God has given me the gift of administration. Here is a great definition of this: The gift of administration is the God-given ability to give direction and make decisions on behalf of others that result in efficient operation and accomplishment of goals. Administration includes the ability to organize people, things, information, finances, etc. Often the mark of an administrator is the ability to accomplish things in a "fitting and orderly way". Administrators often have a keen eye for detail. They may also possess the natural talents of organization, observing and using details, problem solving, and reasoning.

If you know me well enough, you know that is me and so, this job is nearly a perfect fit. Within these first two weeks of being working for the region, I have awarded $17,500 to areas so that economically disadvantaged high schoolers can experience a Young Life camp, passed out 1000 movie tickets that will raise $20,000 for campers, and have already seen miracles in the lives of those on the front lines, Young Life leaders. Besides the quiet office atmosphere, I am really loving this. Thank you Jesus for making me wait on you. 

Praising Him

Today I accept a job with the Young Life Southwest Region. A week ago, this position didn't even exist. Five days ago, I didn't even know it existed. Three days ago, I thought I was going to be pursuing my masters come August. And two days ago, God had me at His feet in wonder and awe. For the first time in a year, I feel like my life has direction and I feel freed in that. I have learned so much during this time of waiting. Much of these lessons, I have yet to figure out. My life is about to change and change fast. As I step into this new journey in my life, I am excited to see how God challenges, stretches, and uses me.  Woooohooo...it's going to be a fun ride!



Today these are things I am praising Him for:
His sovereignty
His provision
His love
His goodness
His guidance
Good friends who love me
Giving hearts
Direction
Peace which transcends all understanding
Joy that only comes from Him

What a perfect day to open up my bible to this Psalm:

O God, you are my God, 

earnestly I seek you; 

my soul thirsts for you, 

my body longs for you, 

in a dry and weary land,

where there is no water.

I have seen you in the sanctuary 

       and beheld your power and your glory.

Because your love is better than life, 

my lips will glorify you.

I will praise you as long as I live, 

       and in your name I will lift up my hands.

My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods; 

       with singing lips my mouth will praise you.

On my bed I remember you; 

       I think of you through the watches of the night.

 Because you are my help, 

I sing in the shadow of your wings.

My soul clings to you; 

your right hand upholds me.

They who seek my life will be destroyed; 

       they will go down to the depths of the earth.
They will be given over to the sword 

and become food for jackals.

But the king will rejoice in God; 

       all who swear by God's name will praise him, 

       while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

Psalm 63

Behind the Tinted Windows: The Short Bus Boy

I know, I know...it has been nearly a month since I last posted. For those of you who love me enough to be faithful to this little cyber thing...I am oh so sorry for boring you with my life.

Today as I was driving to my office and on a slightly more serious phone call, a Scottsdale Unified School District "short bus" drove through the intersection in front of me. There in the front seat was a sweet little boy with his window down about half way and his face outside of the window. At first it seemed as though it was a common thing to see, given I have seen my fair share of yellow buses in my life being the Mountainside Middle School official crossing guard for nearly a year. This was no ordinary head-hanging-out-of-the-window sighting. No, this little boy, maybe 6 or 7 or 8, had his eyes closed with a huge grin on his face. He looked just like little puppy on the way to the dog park so excited that his jowls are flapping and his slobber was streaming down the windows and doors of his owner's car.

His simple joy made me giggle and interrupted my phone conversation. SP understood, though.

Goodness: 45

1) Old friendships made new again. God has the ability to redeem.
2) A catch up coffee date with Kathy. She is one of those friends that speaks straight into my soul.
3) TNDC. We are making our way through the New Times Best Phoenix Restaurants. So far, we have three down. Yummy food is the best!

Goodness: 44

1) In finishing up my paper for the Pastoral Counseling class I took in January, I was reminded of few things: I am chosen. I am valuable. I am purposeful. I am a sinner. God's grace is all I need. Simple, yes, but nonetheless, truth.
2) Watching 60 high schoolers get pumped to get hunted down and then nailed with a water balloon.
3) Driving around town with the windows completely down and Patty Griffin up.

Goodness: 41-43

Friday: Having dinner served to us as a WyldLife family. We are blessed by the Ujanos.
Saturday: So much to celebrate! A great hike for Brooks' 35th Birthday and a fun 80's bridesmaids outing in Old Town Scottsdale to celebrate Katelin's last days as a bachelorette.
Sunday: Family. I am so fortunate to have a family that loves me. Here is where I know I am purposeful.

Goodness: 40

1) Memories of all the fun shenanigans I had living in the Young Life House. I was so blessed to have such a great college experience with good people.
2) Feeling like I was back in college again being on the U of A campus. I don't miss "school," but I do miss the school atmosphere.
3) Having great conversation and experiences all day long with friends.