I'm Still Here Part 1

I know it's been a while, is anyone still out there lol! ;)

It has been a long while since my last post so I thought I would sit down for a minute or so and let you all in on what has been going on in my life for the last couple of weeks! :) This is going to come in parts because if I told you everything that has been going on I think it would be a little overwhelming for the both of us lol! :)

Three weeks ago a dear friend of mine and I painted my office!

This picture was taken when I very first got here. This is what my office looked like! :) Scary huh??

Then after two days of painting, two coats of primer, and two coats of paint on each wall my office now looks like this and I am in love! :)

My desk :)

The view from my office door!The view from my desk!!!

Isn't it just beautiful!! I mean come on did you see what it look like before???? Tyson and Tami have no clue who painted it before but man it was ugly and I seriously felt like I lived in a storage room. NOW however I actually have an office to call my own that I love working in! :) Praise you Jesus!!

Plus it was so awesome because the day I finished my office and got it all decorated I had an unexpected visitation from two of my kids in the ministry who's parents where having a hard time. The girl came into my office grabbed me and just broke down sobbing. It was truly such a blessing to have a warm and welcoming office for them to come into! :)

Then after we prayed I asked the kids if they wanted to play jenga to which they replied they had never played it before!!! So of course we had to play it and as you can see in the pictures I have a long counter type thing in my office and we where able to play on it! :)

Oh and as we where playing I told them that I had this game when I was little and I use to play it all the time with my brothers. To which the little boy who is 9 replied man this must be old.... Oh my gosh I almost peed my pants when he said that I was laughing so hard! :)

It is such a blessing to have my office all done and put together! :) I love my job!! :)

I know that this is something so silly but truly having an office that you love and enjoy being in is amazing! :)

He has a plan and purpose for ME!

This post has been stiring in my heart for a while now. I have been thinking and reflecting on where I am and what God is doing in my life right now. Moving is not something I enjoy and meeting new people is very scary for me however I know and believe that God has so much in store for not only me but also for this ministry.

My first Sunday as the Children's Pastor at The Rock Church was Father's Day. As that day approached my heart was beating so fast and questions kept running through my head....

Can I do this??

Am I equipped to run a ministry??

Will the kids like me??

Will the parents trust me with their kids and their spiritual growth??
Will the volunteers that already serve be open to me??
Will other people want to server along side me??
Will I be able to speak into the lives of all these kids??
Would my daddy be proud of me??
Did I make the right decision??

As I was sitting in one of the Sunday School classrooms Tami (the pastor's wife) walked in and asked me to come out of the classroom. As we walked out and into my office tears started rolling down my face. Tami prayed over me and as she was praying God softly spoke into my ear. "Jinny you being here on Father's Day was not on accident. I wanted to show you that what your daddy spoke over you so many years ago is coming true today." Then he spoke the sweetest words I could hear that day "Your daddy is proud of you Jinny and he loves you so much. We are rejoicing together and waiting to see what all you are going to do in the lives of the children at The Rock Church."

Those words touch my heart so deep that it is hard to even put the emotions that I felt into words. I truly wanted my dad to be here on my first Sunday and how cool is it that it wasn't only on Father's Day Sunday but that God spoke those sweet words into my ear that day.

I know that being a children's pastor is not always going to be fun or easy but I am in this for the race not the sprint. And I am so excited and honored to see what all God has in store for the future.

God Know's My Heart

Ever since I was a little girl I have always had a heart for handicapped children, and I have prayed that I would have the honor to minister to children with handicaps weather it be mental, physical, or even children who can't hear. (sign language has always been on my heart and something that I think is so beautiful) Okay that was totally a side note so on with my post.... :)

When I got to Scottsbluff I was welcomed with open arms by the whole church body and it was truly amazing to see how excited they all where that I was here.

Over the last couple weeks I have been working on memorizing all the kids names and making sure that I meet all of them. As I was meeting all the kids I got so giddy because two of the kids in the ministry have handy caps. So as I have been praying over the ministry and all the children I am ministering to, God has been impressing on my heart that He is the one who has put the desire in my heart to minister to handy capped children and that He has a big plan and purpose for putting the desire in my heart.

So let me introduce you to the first two precious ones.....

Benny is a 5 year old little boy who was hit by a car a little over a year ago and was seriously hurt. He is now mentally handicapped and has trouble walking. Let me just tell you that the first week this little boy had my heart. He is so smart and is such a fun loving little boy. I am so excited to watch and see what God has in store for this little warriors life.

Zaydee is a 3 year old little girl who has down syndrome. She is so precious and just lights up every room she walks into. She has the cutest smile and is always happy to be at church. I know that God has big things in store for her sweet life and she is going to do amazing things for Him.

Tears are filling my eyes as I think about these sweet little ones. My hearts cry is to see them know the love of our Savior in a very real way. I am so honored that God has called me to show them His love.

Thank you Jesus for this amazing opportunity.

Life in Nebraska!!!

So it has been a while since I have written anything so I thought that I would write a post before I go and get my chubbies kicked in work out class! :)

On Friday it will be a month since I have moved! Man how time has just flown by! I am a little home sick and miss all my family of choice back in Durango however this is starting to fill like home which is a good thing.

Since I have moved here I have......

1. Started to reorganize children's ministry

2. Started teaching children's church

3. Gone to Jam Camp (which is a whole other post .... coming soon!)

4. Made new friendships

5. Finally figured out how to get around town :)

6. Met and starting relationships with the people who already serve in Children's Ministry

7. Started building relationships and recruting new people for the ministry.

8. Got an intern that is AMAZING!

9. Spoke in front of the church twice.

And I am sure there is much more to come! :)

It has been a lot of fun getting to know people and meeting the kids. I am truly enjoying teaching the kids in children's church and watching them get it. We have been working on Romans 10:9 for the last few weeks and on Sunday all the kids could say the whole thing by them selves. It is so awesome to see kids hide God's word in their hearts.

I am really enjoying being here and I can't wait to see what all God has for me and this ministry!

If you would like to pray with me.... There is a house available that is really cute and perfect for me. It has two bedrooms, one bath, a full kitchen and living room. I would be able to move in August 1st and the price is really good. Please pray that God would continue to open the door on this house and that everything will go smoothly. The Land Lords are even Christians which is something I have been praying for.

Here I am Lord use me!!!

For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

Jam Camp 2010

A couple weeks ago I had the privilege of going to jam camp with 5 of the kids in my ministry! I have never been to jam camp before and always wanted to go! :)

Cynthia the camp director did an AMAZING job and it was an adventure to say the least! :)

I had 7 girls in my group, from 4 different churches, of which two of the girls where with me. On Monday when as the girls arrived we played games and painted nails in our cabin until all of our girls arrived. Once they arrived we designed our flag and headed out to explore the campus. It was all the girls but ones first time at camp. We had a great time getting know each other and a great first night at camp. After circle the wagons (story time) I tucked all the girls into bed and prayed over them, got myself ready for bed and was heading to hit the cootie cage (bed) but none of the 36 girls in the cabin where ready to sleep so we spent about 2 hours trying to get them all to go to sleep. Once I finally hit the cootie cage it wasn't long when all of the sudden one of my girls sat up in her bed and threw up all over the floor. From there we where up till 2 in the morning as she threw up 8 times. My mommy skills kicked in as I held back this little girls hair so she could throw up in the toilet as I tried not to throw up myself! :) We made it through the night and with lots of coffee the next morning we headed out to conquer Tuesday.

We had a great day and great nights sleep, thankfully no throwing up that night well so I thought. After being in my cootie cage for about 30 minutes and almost asleep one of the other GL's came over and said that one of her little girls had just thrown up in the bathroom. This sweet GL does worse with throw up then I do so I went in and once again held back another little girls hair while she threw up. I think God was giving me a little taste of what it feels like to be a mom 24/7 :) hehehe! However I can still say through it all that I still can't wait to be a mom no sleep and all! :)

The week went well and I truly enjoyed getting to know all of my girls. We had devotions every morning which where amazing and it was so awesome to hear what was on all the girls hearts.

On Wednesday night the speaker had all the kids write on a piece of paper something hard they have done through in their lives. They she took the pieces of paper and made a beautiful picture with them. She explained to the kids that even through we go through hard things in life God see's the big picture and that everything works together for His beautiful plan and purpose. After she was done talking she asked the kids to come up and be prayed over by an adult. One little girl was sobbing as I prayed with her because her grandpa had just died and she was really close to him. As I prayed over this sweet little girl I began to cry with her, my heart broke for her and we sat as I held her in my arms for a long time.

The next day during our GL meeting we prayed over that picture and I was shocked at some of the things that where written on the pieces of paper. One of them said that his/her dad was going to jail for killing someone. Another one said that his/her mom and dad fight and hit each other. Many talked about a family member or friend who had died.

It broke my heart as I read these and I cried out to God asking Him to mend their hearts and to bring someone into their lives to minister to them when they went home.

Thursday night the kids where asked if they wanted to receive their prayer language and those who did came forward and got prayed over. I prayed with one little girl who told me that her mom prayed in her prayer language all around the house and she wanted to be able to talk to Jesus like that. As I looked into her eyes and talked to her I knew that I knew her mom. She was a little girl from Bayfield church and sure enough I knew her mom. When I said are you April's daughter her eyes got super big and she said yes how do you know her. It was so awesome that God pick this little girl for me to pray with. :)

The week just flew by and although I had a very homesick little girl in my group I had a great time. God truly did amazing things not only in the lives of the kids but also in the lives of each staff member at camp. Lives where changed and in-packed big time.

This is something that I will do every year with the kids at The Rock church.

The Calling

I am a minister. I minister to the largest mission field in the world. I minister to Children.

My calling is sure; my challenge is big; my vision is clear; my desire is strong; my influence is eternal; my impact is critical; my values are solid; my faith is tough; my mission is urgent; my purpose is unmistakable; my direction is forward; my heart is genuine; my strength is supernatural; my reward is promised; and my God is real.

In a world of cynicism, I offer hope. In a world of confusion, I offer truth. In a world of immorality, I offer values. In a world of neglect, I offer attention. In a world of abuse, I offer safety. In a world of ridicule, I offer affirmation. In a world of division, I offer reconciliation. In a world of bitterness, I offer forgiveness. In a world of sin, I offer salvation. In a world of hate, I offer God's love.

I refuse to be dismayed, disengaged, disgruntled, discouraged or distracted. Neither will I look back, stand back, fall back, go back or sit back. I do not need applause, flattery, adulation, prestige, stature, or veneration. I do not have time for business as usual, mediocre standards, small thinking, outdated methods, normal expectations, average results, ordinary ideas, petty disputes or low vision. I will not give up, give in, bail out, lie down, turn over, quit, or surrender.

I will pray when things look bad. I will pray when things look good. I will move forward when others stand still. I will trust God when obstacles arise. I will work when the task is overwhelming. I will get up when I fall down.

My calling is to reach boys and girls for God. It is too serious to be taken lightly, too urgent to be postponed, too vital to be ignored, too relevant to be overlooked, too significant to be trivialized, too eternal to be fleeting and too passionate to be quenched.

I know my mission. I know my challenge. I also know my limitations, my weaknesses, my fears and my problems. And I know my God. Let others get the praise. Let the church get the blessing. Let God get the glory.

I am a minister. I minister to children. This is who I am. This is what I do.
By: Roger Fields

The first time I read this I broke down in tears this is my hearts desire and the calling that God has placed on my life. Thank you God for calling me to love and teach your precious children. This is going to be placed in my office so that every time I look at it and read it I will be reminded on the calling God has placed on my life.

The Last 7 Days.....

Over the last 7 days I have........

1. Said see you later to some of the most wonderful people in the whole word, people who are not only my friends but also my family.

2. Shed many tears while saying see you later

3. Packed and filled a 5 x 8 Uhaul all with my own stuff

4. Drove from Colorado to Nebraska with all my stuff

5. Unloaded my uhaul into the garage at my new church

6. Moved in with the Administrative Assistant and her husband while I am looking for a place of my own

7. Attended my first Sunday being the Children's Pastor

8. Cleaned out my office that has been used as a storage room for the last 3 years

9. Settled into my office

10. Finally started feeling like I have actually moved and now I am a Nebraska girl

11. Filled one of my dreams and have become a CHILDREN'S PASTOR

12. Met some amazing people at The Rock church

Yearn

This song is my hearts cry at this moment in my life!

Holy design
this place in time
that i might seek and find my God
my God

Lord i want to yearn for You
i want to burn with passion
over You and only You
Lord i want to yearn

Your joy is mine
yet why am i fine
with all my singing and bringing grain
in light of Him

oh You give life and breath
through Him You give all things
in Him we live and move
that's why i sing

Two Weeks!

Tomorrow starts the two week count down and the emotions are all hitting me. One moment I am so excited and the next minute I am in tears. Not because I don't think that I am taking the right step but just because I am leaving my home. The place I have lived for over half of my life and the people who are my family. See I told you, as I write this tears stream down my face. The realization that I am leaving is starting to hit. Don't get me wrong I am so excited for this next chapter in my life but I wish I could take everyone with me.

I look at the kids I have know since they where born/ little and my heart hurts will they even remember me when I leave. The love that I have for them is nothing I have ever felt before. I look at Kate Elizabeth and see this beautiful little girl who I love so very much, and I ask myself will she remember me. I look at Tobias James and think who is going to ask me to wrestle every time I see him. I was telling my friend the other day that the love I have for these kids in so strong and so passionate that I can't imagine how I will be able to love my own kids more.Then I look at my friends some I have known since I was young and others I have only known for a few years however I think how will our relationships change? What am I leaving behind? I know that my relationships will change however my prayer is that they don't go away. My family here in Durango is thicker then blood. They are the people who I go to when I have a problem, they are the people I rejoice with and they are the people I cry with. THEY ARE MY FAMILY.As the packing begins and June 16th quickly approaches I can't help but think about all that is here. I am so excited to meet the kids and families that I will be ministering to however right now I am mourning leaving Durango and this life that I have had here. I know that God has big plans for my future and I am excited to take the next step towards finding out what all he has in store! :) Please pray for this transition period that God will give me peace through out the whole thing.