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I love this time of year. I know what you are thinking, “Doesn’t the summer stress you out with all the stuff you have going on?” In answer to that question I provide a very quick answer, “Yes, but its complicated.”

It’s complicated because yes it is kind of hectic thinking about all the programming that is about to hit all of us “youthworkers,” but at the same time it is very exciting to sit here and think about all the amazing things that God is going to do. Most of which we have no clue what they are.

That in and of itself is so exciting.

One of my favorite parts of being in Youth Ministry is the unpredictability of it all, because there is so much, but there is our savior who promises that no matter what He is with us until the end of the age. So in that spirit I would like to share a prayer for youthworkers for the summer.

Gracious God,

During this time of crazy programming and ministry with our students and ministries across the nation and the world may we continue to recognize that you are the reason that we are here. Help us to always know that. That no matter what God you are in control. May we glorify you in all we do. Empty us of ourselves and our doubts and fill us with your Holy Spirit so that we truly are people that Christ lives within. In Jesus Name,

Amen.

“Never stop believing. Never. The One who knows you best and loves you the most is with you.”

Remember always what is written in the Book of Habakkuk:

“Look among the nations and watch! Be astonished and stare because something is happening in your days that you wouldn’t believe even if you were told.” (Habakkuk 1:5)

GET EXCITED!

Do you ever feel that you just simply don’t have time for God?

Of course there is not a lot of us that would say yes, but without thinking about it we answer yes everyday. Everyday we have an opportunity to spend time with our Heavenly Father and everyday we say no in some way to spending time with God.

Just think about your day right now.

What do you have going on?

Obviously you have either a job or school to do, maybe bills to pay, food to eat, but is the essential things that you need to get done? As you are thinking about that read these words from “Jesus Calling”:

“SPENDING TIME alone with Me is essential for your well-being. It is not a luxury or an option; it is a necessity.” 

Not a Luxury or an Option, but a Necessity.

Just think for a moment about all the necessities in your life. The things you really need. Where does God fit in all these things?

Shouldn’t He, the creator of all things be at the top?

Here is the good news. We all desire that God be at the top of our list and sometimes we do really good at making sure that this happens, but sometimes God falls between the cracks and we put Him on the back burner. It’s a part of the human condition. The good news is that even though we constantly tell God no thanks HE CONTINUALLY RAINS DOWN HIS BLESSINGS ON US.

We have ever reason that says we shouldn’t be getting such amazing love and grace, but because God is merciful and loving He gives it anyway.

So, what are you going to do with this amazing gift? How are you going to spend more time with Him?

This doesn’t have to be a big to do. You could read a daily bible verse everyday and ask God what you want to take from it. It’s that simple! Point is you are never too busy to spend time with your creator. Never.

May God’s people be blessed and encouraged by these words today.

Amen.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
(Galatians 2:20)

When Jesus dies on the cross and three days later God raises Him from the dead there is something amazing that happens. This is why Easter is celebrated each year because of this defining moment. This moment is where the new testament church launched from. This realization that we are no longer defined by our brokenness, but because of Christ we are defined by His faithfulness.

In my new position as Director of Student Ministries at St. Philips United Methodist Church I was looking to brand the ministry so that we would have some focus. Then the word pulse kept coming back to me. When you hear or feel a pulse you know that someone is breathing, alive, and here.

As disciples we are spirit led beings.

It’s not I that lives but Christ that lives within me.

The spirit pulsates from our core and it powers everything we do.

As it says in Colossians 3:17:

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

So the Pulse Student Ministries will have a mission of:

Becoming more and more like Christ and letting the love and grace of Jesus Christ being pulse that powers every part our lives.

Because with that we become more than we could on our own.

This past week I officially joined the staff team at St Philips United Methodist Church, and now I write you with much excitement about the future of this new journey. First of all let me just say that I am still completely humbled by the welcome that I have received from the St. Philips UMC Community of Faith. They have welcomed me with open arms and have been very vocal in how they can assist me in getting acclimated in St Philips and Round Rock, TX as well. Thank you so much for your love and grace that you have shown me, I am very excited about our future together as we build a ministry that brings students into the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

What brought me to St. Philips UMC is an amazing story.

A day after Amy took the plunge with me by saying yes, Amy got an email. This email was informing her that a position had just opened up in Round Rock at St Philips United Methodist Church. A full time youth ministry position. See in January I was given the opportunity to be the Lay Associate Pastor at Edge Park United Methodist Church, which was great because it gave me the opportunity to learn how to be a full church pastor. Through this learning process I began to yearn for the journey of ministry with youth. I missed hanging out with teenagers and there was a huge part of me that desired to be back as a Director of Student Ministries somewhere, and also through this process I had arranged to get the engagement ring and made the plans to propose.

I proposed without having a job near Amy, because I truly felt that God would provide a way. One day after being engaged God was providing a way.

It was like since I stepped out in faith in proposing to Amy without a job near her that God was responding with a plan, and throughout this process of interviewing God continually opened doors. After my first interview God opened the door to a place to live, (Before I got the job, God opened this door).

Throughout this process God has weaved this plan to come to Round Rock over and over again and that plan was confirmed when I met the people of this awesome church. I am so very excited about working with the people of St. Philips United Methodist Church.

“For I know the plans that I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 CEB)

Always have Hope, because without Hope we have nothing. Hope is where God works all the time. No matter what.

As always it is my prayer that through reading this post that my words would be Gods words and that they would bless you and your life.

Amen.