Our First Attempt at the "Family Photo" Christmas Card

This time of year is often filled with everyone and their brother putting out these "family photo"-style Christmas cards.

In fact, 2013 went down in the books as the year of the first (I think?) viral video Christmas card. You can check it out here.

And to each his own. I've just never really felt compelled to do so. 

Drawing Challenge {Link-Up} - Luke 2 (x2!)

Well, I'll say it. I'm a drawing challenge slacker. 

Truth is, this time of year is busy. Full of work, work, work, until it's time to rest, rest, rest. And even that "rest" seems to be filled with the stress of a lot of last-minute-ing that goes along with our Americanized, uber-materialistic "Christmas" hype.

So...all of this is to say that I have two drawing challenges to post - one from this past Friday and one from the Friday before that.

What Would You Do if You Won the Lottery?

For those who have been following the recent "Mega Millions" wins...the question should not be, "What would you do if you won the lottery?" but rather, "What are you currently doing with the money God has entrusted to you?"

I mean...it would be grand to have a bazillion Gs just land in your lap all of a sudden! But the likelihood is so small - even if you play regularly - that it's generally not worth feeding your funds into the black hole known as "the luck of the draw."

What "Color" Were Jesus and Santa?

This morning, I read a CNN Belief Blog post entitled "Call Jesus White? Expect a Fight." I clicked the link out of vague interest. But the further I read, the more absorbed (and annoyed!) I became. Basically, the article included views on whether or not Jesus and Santa were/are/should continue to be...white. There was also a corresponding video from Fox News in which Megyn Kelly stated that both historical figures actually were white.

Egads.

Choose Joy

There are many times when I am not joyful in my job. In fact, there are days that I would rather yank the covers over my head and drown myself in sleep deeeeeep into the afternoon than go visit kids and families in their homes and then have to write case notes about it. Anybody feel me?

But that's a normal day in the life of a social worker.

To be technical, I am not a true "social worker." A social worker usually has a degree in the field and pursues licensure. I, on the other hand, have a rogue BA in Youth Ministry and am pursuing an MDiv. I actually stumbled upon (ha, ha...God's ways are perfect) mental health work over 8 years ago when I first started seminary. It was the only job I could obtain at the time that worked with teen girls (my fave population) in a capacity as close to "vocational ministry" as I could get. And these years spent in the mental/behavioral health field have proved invaluable for getting hands-on experience with crisis issues that face the youth in our churches today! 

Drawing Challenge {Link-Up} - Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 9:6

"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

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Ultimate Sleepover 2013

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking eight of our tween/teen girls from church to this year's Ultimate Sleepover. This is a girls' event hosted each fall by the State Convention of Baptists in Indiana. We had a ball, as our time there was spent with faith AND fun.

I was fortunate to get to teach two breakout sessions this year: "My Strange Addiction" (about harmful behaviors that we often set up as idols above God) and "Netiquette" (regarding how to have a safe, aware, and God-honoring online presence). What an experience that was! And although many may begrudge opportunities to get LESS sleep (away from home and on a Sunday School floor, to boot!)...I love them! Times like these allow for some deep and meaningful convos that often lead to real growth and change. And since I feel teaching young women is the "sweet spot" of what I am called to ministry-wise, weekends like these really enliven me.

That Time I Got 22 Instant Retweets...

So I've been at this blogging thing for a few months, now. And I really enjoy it. I like having an outlet to share my thoughts, rants, convictions, and soapboxes. And I get super excited about sharing what God is teaching me through His Word.

But with blogging, it is easy to get caught up with how many "likes," "shares," "comments," "pins," and "retweets" you get.