continually growing...

I had the opportunity to speak to the youth group this past Sunday and I will also be speaking this Wed. I had a great time! It was an opportunity to challenge and inspire these kids with God's word. The series is Reality TV and I had the show "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" which was great because it is like my favorite show. It basically led us into the topic of TRANSFORMATION. It was awesome! Pretty simple, but powerful as well. We talked about the transformation we have when we ask Jesus into our hearts. It is just like the transformation on the show. There are a bunch of cool analogies, but anyways, we talked about how we must continue to grow so that we can mature. The only way to do that is through our daily relationship building time with God in His word and in prayer. Fear and Pride keep us from change, but we need to continue growing on purpose.

God is helping me to grow in a lot of different areas. He has been challenging me here a lot lately and I pray that I continue to step up to the plate. I want to make Him proud, but like I told the kids... it isn't going to happen on its own. You have to grow on purpose. Without change you cannot grow. Anyways... a practical way He is challenging me is organization. I think I will be challenged with that for the rest of my life. But I can look back and see the growth as I continue to push myself in what I am not naturally good at. I've been working real hard on it lately since things have slowed down. I realized that I needed to push myself some more when all the things were going on during the beginning of spring (ie - masters trips, kids conference, easter). There was a lot of stress and last minute work that was a result of lack of organization. I'm working hard at it. I have been doing pretty good this past 2 weeks. It feels good. Granted, I know there are going to be times where I mess up or drop the ball. But I am glad God is challenging me with His word and His Spirit to grow (or to change) as we get ready for the upcoming summer events. It is going to be great!

I know that God challenges each and every one of us. And if we are sensitive to His Spirit, we can hear it. I pray that He gives you the strength and courage it takes to step up to the plate and continue to GROW.