Youth Ministry Vision Statement

Well, it finally happened. My hubby has been offered a Student Pastor position with a local body of believers and we will be planting a church. If you would've told me a few years back that this would be happening I would've probably died laughing (not really). I am just amazed at how awesome our God is! Anyway, I wanted to share our vision statement and see what you all thought. Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Timothy Bush

Wife: Brandy Bush
Married: October 10, 1998
Children: Alexander (Alex) - 8 years old; has autism
Alayna Grace - 3 years old
Hobbies & Interests: Traveling, reading, playing video games, music ( Skillet, Jars of Clay, 12 Stones, Mercy Me, etc.), and most of all spending time with my family.

As the Student Pastor I believe that every journey begins with the first step! I am committed to helping young people achieve their full potential, find meaning and purpose in life, and to know the unconditional love of God through teaching, praying, sharing and giving. I believe that young people belong in the life of our church and community and should be respected and encouraged no matter where they are when they take that first step.

An award, for me? Wow!

I got an award from Bobbi at Mixed Blessings. I've really enjoyed reading her blog and wish I could give the reward to her in return. :)




Here are the "rules":

1. The winner can put the logo on their blog.
2. Link to the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs you’ve nominated.

So, here goes the 7 blogs that I enjoy reading:

1. Betsy at MY FIVE MEN. I really enjoy visiting her blog and reading about her boys. She's also got some great recipes and food pictures. :)
2. Melinda at Dear Noah. I love the idea of her blog. I wish I were better at writing so I could do the same for Alex. Her blog touches me deeply because it is the truth spoken from a mother's heart.
3. Kristin at Kristin's blog. I love visiting and seeing all the pictures of her adorable little ones.
4. Shay at Uniquelyyoursbyshay's Weblog because she is a friend and a VERY talented artist. Check out her artwork!
5. Kerry at Colored with Memories. I really enjoy looking at the pictures of her girls and reading about the cute things they do. Also, her daughter and I share a birthday. :)
6. Bee at Dare to bee creative. She has some of the best ideas I have seen. Very creative!
7. Suzanne at Just a bunch of nothin' has a WONDERFUL way with words. When I read her post about mental retardation I instantly felt a connection because so many of her words could've come out of my mind. I just can't say them as beautifully as she can. She also takes some GREAT pictures of children.

Well, it took me awhile to do this because I really wanted to research the blogs I have saved over the past 6 months to find just the right ones. Please check them out and I hope you enjoy visiting them as much as I do. :)

"Welcome to my Class" goodie bag idea

My son's teacher gave all of her students a "Welcome to her class goodie bag". I thought it was the cutest thing, so I thought I'd share. Here's what was in it:

WELCOME

Welcome to my 2nd grade class!
I am so glad you are here.
I have made you a bag of goodies
to help describe our year.
The eraser is to let you know
it is okay to make mistakes.
We will correct them and learn from them
no matter what it takes!
The "Smarties" say I know you are smart
and really special too.
The "Lifesavers" are to remind you
that I am here for you.
The pencil represents the learning
that we will do.
2nd grade can be very hard,
but it is a lot of fun too!
The "Snickers" says we will laugh a lot
while traveling through grade 2.
The penny is to let you know
how valuable you are, too!