Any of you who have known me for awhile could probably find it. It’s a blog I started a long time ago, but never really posted on. That is the only hint you’re getting.

2. I have a pair of ugly (compared to normal shoes, but cute considering what they are) crocs that I wear when I’m working in the garden because they’re easy to clean and keep my toes protected from the evil mosquitoes and other such biting things. I do not go out in public wearing these shoes…or I did not until Wednesday when I arrived at a lesson and got out of the car only to realize I was still wearing my ugly garden shoes. They didn’t even start to match what I was wearing. Oops.

3. I am completely and totally in love with my new niece. I get to see her again tomorrow (and the whole weekend, since we’re staying in Fayetteville with Rachel and David Saturday night) and I can hardly wait.

4. I’m really loving my jewelry class, and I’m finding I really like making jewelry. It’s so much easier to finish a jewelry project in a short amount of time than it is a knitting project. I may have a new hobby here…

5. I have discovered the wonders of Hobby Lobby. On the one hand, I wish there was one closer to me. On the other hand, I’m glad it’s not closer, because I’m pretty sure they would have all my money.

6. I should not be awake right now.

So, as brothers and sisters in Christ, members of one worldwide body of believers, let’s forget the small, insignificant things that separate us. Let’s just love God, love each other, and take that love to the world with one united heart…the heart of Jesus.

Spent last week at North Myrtle Beach, SC with my family, just like I have every summer for as long as I can remember. Thomas and I had a great time, but several of my family members frustrate me with their juvenile behavior. Seems to me that by the time you reach a certain age, certain behaviors should no longer be in your repertoire. Maybe it’s just because I’ve been mature for my age pretty much since I was born. Who knows? Family’s one of those things you can get too upset about. You love them, and they’re always going to be there, so I guess I should just get over it.

Now back to real, non-vacation life. I feel like we’re all in limbo right now…neither here nor there, but hovering in mid air trying to figure out where to go next. I’m kind of sick of it. I’m sick of waiting for something to happen and ready to just make something happen instead. We’re all trying to think of ways to make a little extra money in our spare time. Coming up with some interesting ideas. I’m anxious to see what becomes of all this brainstorming. My mom and I are thinking about crafting more (knitting, sewing, making decorative hairpieces) and posting our items on Etsy to see if they’ll sell. I’m considering joining or starting an errand running service to make some extra cash. Just an idea.

Anyway…I’ll post more as we make some decisions and actually put some of these ideas in play…

First, as of the end of May, Thomas and I are no longer leaders in the youth group. We decided a few months ago that it was time to move on, so that’s just what we’re doing. I’ll post more as we figure out what’s next for us.

Second, after living with my mom for a year, Thomas and I are going to try to find a cheap place to rent…hopefully a house or duplex instead of another apartment, but we’ll see. My sister is currently 6 months pregnant, and wants to be able to move back home if needed, so we’ll be making room for her and my soon-to-be-born niece, Laila Rose.

Third, I WILL blog on a regular basis…let’s say at least once a week regardless of how much I think I have to say. I’m working on just speaking my mind here and not worrying about how people who read my blog will respond. Wish me luck on that.

More soon…I promise…

Before I began reading this book, I was a little wary, concerned that it may read more like a “how to grow your business” manual than a guide for ministry. My fears were quickly assuaged. Scott Wilson’s aim above all else is wholeheartedly following God and changing and growing only as the Spirit leads. Church growth to him is not a matter of numbers, but a matter of faith, believing that God will enable us to finish what He calls us to do as long as we keep our focus on Him.

Scott Wilson’s first concern is vision, a vision and goal that comes from a leadership that is walking with God and hearing from Him day by day. I love how he talks about focus. There are so many people in the world that need help, and so many different ways in which a church can address those needs, but no church can do everything and help everyone. Just as God has given each individual unique strengths and weaknesses, so different churches are uniquely equipped. Wilson says we need to focus on what God has clearly called us and equipped us to do, and not worry about all the other things we could be doing. After all, “we aren’t the only church or ministry in town, and we don’t have to be all things to all people.” I also liked that he does not make major changes in his church until that change has been confirmed by God through prayer, scripture, etc. to every board member. This not only demonstrates a strong desire to follow God, but provides accountability (and security) to those in charge. If God has clearly spoken to a whole group of people, there is no room for suspicion or blame when the change is implemented.

Another point I found particularly important is the idea of corporate prayer. Wilson points out that church leadership needs to be setting the example in going before God in prayer, asking His direction, and trusting in Him. In the face of a great change, people can easily get overwhelmed and discouraged. Wilson began by having the church leaders pray about the change and didn’t move on until each one heard clearly from God. Then he went to the next level of leadership and the next, telling them what God had already shown and asking them to pray for confirmation as well. This continued on down to the congregation who were also asked to pray for confirmation. By approaching change prayerfully, each person involved was convinced of God’s leading and the church was able to transition unified, fully trusting God in their new direction.

Possibly the most important point Wilson made in this point (in my opinion, anyway) was that pastors need someone to talk to. So often pastors, especially senior pastors, are put on a pedestal and expected to be able to handle everything on their own, like some sort of a super human. Scott Wilson not only talks with other pastors who have been where he is before, but he speaks with a counselor on a regular basis. I think it’s so important for a person in leadership to realize their need for accountability, encouragement, motivation, a sounding board…in general, an impartial third party who can provide perspective. Pastors are people, too (obvious, I know, but sometimes we really do forget). They deal with the same struggles that every single one of us does, but often have no one to really talk to because of their position. In seeking counsel from a trusted advisor outside of his congregation, Wilson is able to get perspective and insight without compromising his leadership position or wondering if the advice was given with a bias towards a particular ministry or need.

All in all, I thought Steering Through Chaos was a great resource for anyone in ministry, particularly pastors, and I highly recommend it. By implementing the strategies described in this book, I think any church could move smoothly through change and keep growing in the vision and goals God has given them.

• One Way – Hillsong United
• Hosanna – Hillsong w/ Brooke Fraser
• None But Jesus – Hillsong w/ Brooke Fraser
• How He Loves – the Kim Walker version

I realize it was a very Hillsong-heavy set, but the songs work so nicely together.

• All Who Are Thirsty (the Kutless version, transposed to the key of D so I could sing it)
• Sweetly Broken – Jeremy Riddle
• Surrender
• Till I See You – Hillsong United
• Jesus, Lord of Heaven – Phil Wickham

I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about worship lately. Perhaps I’ll blog it soon.