It's Here!!!

Well, the week of TheMix '08 has finally arrived. It's hard to believe this is the 5th year we have held this event. The excitement and anticipation of this annual weekend has been extreme, if not overwhelming. This year will be the biggest and best yet. We are bringing 200+ teenagers to Iowa City...WOW! Just looking at that number I am amazed at the favor of God upon our ministry. I remember when Justin and I first came to the Rock...there were a whopping 7 kids at the first Wednesday night service...most of which were his cousins! About 2 years later we challenged KYC to have 50 teens in service. It took a few weeks, but they did it and we celebrated with Maggie Moo's. Now we are averaging 200 teenagers every Wednesday night. These past 5 years have been nothing short of a move of God, and I can't freakin' wait to see what He is going to do over the next 5 years! Pray for our leaders this weekend. It will be a long, tiring weekend, with lots of Starbucks in-hand I'm sure. But we are expecting God to ROCK the lives of teenagers so they can go home and begin to change the atmosphere of their families, schools, city, nation...there's no stopping a dangerous church!

Answer to the Question...

I am a small group leader. I did not volunteer to be in this position, I actually wasn't even asked. It was more like...a nomination. I remember clearly when Justin first came home and said "Hey babe, I signed you up to be a small group leader." I was not happy. Javen was less than a year old, and I was still trying to adjust to my new schedule as a stay at home mom. I also hate leading conversations, it makes me uncomfortable. I did not want this extra "burden" of leading a group of teenage girls.

That was about 1 year ago.

Sunday night at our leadership meeting, we were asked the question "What makes you want to love and serve Jesus more? What stirs your passion?"

One of the first things that came to my mind, were these 15 amazing girls.

It is hard for me to put into words how differently I feel now, compared to how I felt in the beginning.

I remember when I was in high-school. I was silently crying out for someone to talk to. Someone who could give wise counsel, and love me unconditionally. I so badly wish that I could have had a group of girls and a leader who I could have been myself around. Who I could have asked to pray with me, cry with me, celebrate with me. I pray earnestly that I can be that person to these girls.

A piece of my heart has been given willingly to my small group. I am witnessing their lives being changed on a weekly basis. I am amazed at the work of God.

When I think about the hearts, talent, potential, and love for God that these young women carry with them, it motivates me. They make me thankful, they make me want to praise God.

What motivates you to Praise???

Oh snap...

This is just one of the amazing photos that were taken by Amanda Williams last weekend at our family shoot.

Yes, I know, we are incredibly good-looking.

Try not to be jealous.

In approximately 5 hours, Justin and I will be leaving for a weekend away from...everything! 2 days in Galena for the Rock Church marriage retreat means; relaxation, quality time with each other, good friends, good food, good...ya know!

My dearest blog-post page, I shall see you next week!

Here it comes again...

In about 9 days, we will be here.

Where? Beautiful Galena IL

What? Rock Church Marriage Retreat

Why? Some much needed R&R, as well as 2 whole days of quality time with Justin.

I look forward to the marriage retreat every year. My anticipation usually starts about 6 weeks before the retreat. I love Galena, and as I mentioned in a previous post, I love this time of year. Most of all, I love my husband. Weeks go by and even though we are usually together at home in the evenings, it is difficult to spend real quality time with each other. That is why I love this annual weekend experience. No distractions. (well, other than some great shopping maybe) No cooking, no cleaning, just chillaxin. Can't wait.

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday!!!

This is what Sundays used to be:

10:00am- Church

12:00pm- Out for a relaxing lunch with family and friends

1:30- Home to watch a movie, take a nap...do nothing!

This is what Sundays have become:

8:00am- Sound check

10:00am- Church Service #1

12:00pm- Quick run for lunch between services

1:00pm- Church Service #2

1:45pm- Home to put Javen down for a nap, and try to chill out for a few minutes.

3:30pm- Small group

5:00pm- New Wine rehearsal

7:00pm- Leadership training (once a month)

Do I miss the good old, relaxing, do nothing Sundays? Yes

But do I love what God is doing through us at Rock Church? Heck yes