a new week

The start of this week feels different somehow, maybe its that I am finally pain free, that I am on a rediculous diet, that its the last week of school, or maybe its that Josh is getting batpized this Sunday. Whatever it is, I have a newfound bounce in my step and am really looking forward to what God has in store. Summer is a wierd time for youth ministers, some dive in full and have activities going constantly, while others shut down completely. At Reconciliation we have a sort of hybrid of this approach, I do a ton of relational things, Bible studies and informal stuff, and then we have the occasional programitic piece. Last summer went pretty well, but we did not take a lot of momentum into the school year, something I am hoping to rectify a bit this year as we try not to be the Dallas Mavericks of the youth ministry world. On two other big fronts this summer ought to be an exciting time of preparation. Beginnig this Fall, I am helping to lead a College worship service on the campus of St. Mary's University which has me really excited, and will force me to use my summer well. The interns I am working with rock, and the vision for unity and discipleship couldn't be closer to my heart. On another front, I am taking two classes at Regent in Vancouver over the last week of July, first week of August. This week marks the beginnig of the readings (for me at least). I always get a little giddy when I have a stack of books I am beginning to work my way through. More on these courses of study to follow as I plan to include some summaries and highlights on this blog, we'll see how well that goes. This morning I am thanking God for health, family and hope.