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.

Goodness: 39

1) Seeing how He is working on hearts.
2) Lunch with VR and losing time in the midst of good conversation.
3) Knowing I'll never be good enough for God (hard but good), but that He still loves me and sent Jesus for me.

Goodness: 38

1) Realizing the lack of work accomplished for my Pastoral Counseling class is not as much as I remembered.
2) Exercising with my sister. Although I may hate it while I'm doing a million squats, there's a sense of pride and accomplishment when I'm done.
3) Spending time with good friends over a new (and yummy) find. Sala Thai, thank you for providing a great environment for conversation and burning my taste buds in the meantime.

Goodness: 37

I guess I'm getting busier and busier (or lazier and lazier) when it comes to updating this thing. Some days I don't even think anyone cares, but that's not the point, right? I remind myself that I started writing about God's goodness because if forced me to recognize Him in all parts of my life.
This is for Monday:
1) Having a convo over lunch and getting pumped for the upcoming season in Young Life. I know He has great things planned.
2) Knowing that this plethora of rain will bring green mountains and tons of spring flowers!
3) A long overdue dinner with the Allman family. Their friendship is real and refreshing.

Goodness: Catch up to 36

Gosh, what a crazy week. Here is my long list of the last 7 days I have missed. Starting from Monday then finishing up todays.

30. Laughing so hard I couldn't stand up anymore at DMYL Meat Olympics. Who knew chicken shotputting could be so hysterical?
31. Traveling in an RV with 9 other very fun folks. Humor is the same even across four different generations.
32. Getting to know the group I will be spending a month serving with at Woodleaf in July. I have a feeling God has some great stuff in store for us.
33. Praying over a hurting high schooler as she cries in my arms and feeling an overwhelming sense that God had us both in his arms. She is a blessing in my life.
34. Watching over 2,500 high schoolers from all over Arizona rock out to "Don't Stop Believin'" at the All Arizona Young Life Club. Forty of those were Desert Mountain Wolves (The most we've ever brought outside of our own club). "The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few."
35. Spending some long overdue time with my mom. She understands me and loves me just as I am.
36. Being humbled by the greatness of our God. I learned this little fact below in church today. Looks like Teddy Roosevelt understood how little we are and big God is.

President Theodore Roosevelt's love of the outdoors is well documented.  He was responsible for the creation of several National Parks and Monuments.  In his first Inaugural address, he spoke freely of the blessings of God upon our nation saying, "I reverently invoke for my guidance the direction and favor of Almighty God."  It is said that when President Roosevelt entertained diplomatic guests at the White House he was fond of taking them out to the back lawn at the end of the day.  As the President stood gazing at the night sky, all eyes would eventually be cast heavenward as his were.  In his day, the vast array of stars was not dimmed by the city lights, and the magnificent display of God's brilliant creation would overcome the party.  After a long moment, Mr. Roosevelt would say, "Gentlemen, I believe we are small enough now.  Let's go to bed."

Goodness: 27-29

After a great weekend....

Friday: Ice skating with middle schoolers. I love the freedom of embarrassing myself in front of tons of teenagers.
Saturday: The amazing group of friends I have here in Arizona. The day was filled with laughter and fun. I am so blessed.
Sunday: Connecting with the Lord through worship and a great message looking at the Word.

Goodness: 26 and Ouch Update

1) Seeing God's redemption in an old friend who walked in darkness for a long time. Jesus saves.
2) Friendships with high schoolers. Age is just a number.
3) Chatting about the woes and blessings of being a YL leader with a dear friend. Julia, I am so glad you're here this weekend.

Oh and thank you for asking...my shin hurts more each day. My Mars sized bruise is quite colorful and not to mention, I plan on wearing a skirt to the Waste Management Open tomorrow (yep, it is no longer the FBR Open. Kinda trashy, right?). I hope no one thinks my legs are a case of domestic violence (Mandy can be feisty at times, though).

Enjoy your Friday.

Goodness: 25

I'm finding, in this little task I have set for myself, that God's goodness repeatedly being revealed in the same things. Why has it taken me this long to see Him in these little things? I am a human and I am imperfect. Gosh, I am thankful He is in control and I am not.
1) The BK group. Once every month and little group of Young Life staff women meet to encourage, dialogue and pray for each other. I am thankful to have women like them supporting me.
2) Catching up with Stephanie over ice tea and tears. She is just so easy to talk to.
3) I can't say this enough...the Wednesdays remind me each week how much God loves me. It is a privilege to be a part of the lives of so many amazing women.

Ouch!

Inspired by my brother-in-law, I've started hiking Camelback Mountain a couple times a week. If you are unfamiliar with this beast, it is considered "the Everest of the Valley" (it's hardly Everest, but it is challenging for the amateur hiker). There are two trails to the top, Echo Canyon and Cholla. I prefer Echo Canyon for a couple different reasons: the railings (on the steep parts) make me feel like I am a rock climber (barely) and the never ending cascade of boulders makes the hike more interesting and challenging. I've gotten into the habit of hiking it up and jogging it down. Hopping from rock to rock has become a little game I play with myself....until today....game off. Since it has been raining the last couple days here in the desert, there is much more gravel on the trail. As I was skipping down the mountain (trying not to be passed by my nimble, and fast b-i-l, Brooks) I slipped and slammed my shin into a sharply edged rock and my wrist bent a way it was not designed to bend. After a couple curse words and brief water break, I was back to my bouncing. I was almost to the bottom, I could see the trailhead, and as I was passing a couple mid-20 year old guys, I slipped again. This time my hand caught my face from slamming into the boulder I was maneuvering around (thankfully).

As a result of my clumsy feet today, I have achey wrists, raw palms, sore ankles, a bruise the size of Mars, and a golfball sized bump on my shin.

This picture doesn't even do my injury justice. AND I am not asking for pity here...just using this as evidence that God did not design me to be a graceful Gina.

Goodness: 24

This is for yesterday and today's will come tonight.

1) Rest. Why does it still surprise me that He knows what I need?
2) My family. They bring me so much joy.
3) My mom's cooking. Seriously, I can't say it enough. She's amazing. Last night was pot roast. A classic, but a goodie.

Goodness: 23

1) Sleeping so hard I don't wake up until my alarm goes off. This is a rarity in my sleeping patterns. God knows I need rest.
2) Being told I have beautiful eyes from my eye doctor (I need to be reminded that my eyes are not boring). God gave me these eyes to see the world as He created it.
3) Being reminded that God authors incredible stories in each of our lives.

Goodness: 20-22

What a fabulous weekend I had with the Scottsdale Young Life and WyldLife leaders. From sledding into mud and staging a murder mystery to playing sardines in the dark and staying up late watching movies; I had the most fun I have had in a long time. From worshipping our Creator and spending time listening to the Lord to taking communion and praying for each other; I am blessed to be in a community of believers who are seeking Christ.
Here's some goodness that brought me through the weekend:
Friday: Excited middle schoolers who call me friend.
Saturday: The simple number three. Cramming into a 3 feet by 3 feet space with 3 people and waiting for 30 minutes for someone to find us.
Sunday: Knowing crumbs from Jesus' table is enough. Matthew 15:21-28

Goodness: 19

1) The subculture of Young Life Area Directors. I am encouraged when I am surrounded by 40 missionaries who are passionate about hurting and lost kids knowing our Creator.
2) Seeing my high school friends get fired up about Jesus.
3) A sweet, real, and vulnerable conversation over some hocho and chai. I see Christ in you daily VR.

Goodness: 18

1) Doing the "super baby" with Stella. It has become our special thing. If you haven't seen it...I'll try to describe it. I hold her up over my head from her waste while yelling "Super babyyyyy!" and she screams while taking the pose of a superhero. To be so fearless and carefree is a God-given gift.
2) Conviction and confirmation. He has gifted us with the Holy Spirit.
3) Ending the day with birthday celebration with our great group of friends. Happy Birthday Blake!