Day 52-55 of my beautiful journey.

I know I am at the end and I am lagging behind. It was a really long weekend. I had a beautiful date with my wife on Friday night. Spending time with my best friend is probably the most beautiful thing of all. I love her very much and I probably don't remind her that she is my best friend enough.

Saturday the youth group had its first tryout for the youth worship team. He did a great job. Worshiping God with others is such a beautiful thing.

Sunday night I had my weekly Life Group (small group), and it was so much fun! Hanging out with those students and laughing and learning about the word is so awesome.

Today, answered prayers and the reminder that I don't have to do this on my own was beautiful. Sometimes I get so caught up in trying to do everything myself, and Jesus says, "Justin... shut up, sit down, and let me take care of this." It's hard to let go sometimes isn't it? We want to steer the ship, but the truth of the matter is we don't know the way do we? Only our savior knows the way. Thank you Jesus for your sacrifice and for taking the helm, cause without you I don't know where I am going.

Day 50 of my beautiful journey.

Here comes the end Ladies and gents... 10 days left.

Yesterday I was blessed with the opportunity to spend some time with a small group of 6 senior high guys. We talked about some serious things and alot about video games hahaha! It was wonderful. These were 6 guys that I think have huge potential. I can't wait to see where God takes them.

Day 49 of my beautiful journey.

I spent most of my day today building the stage for the youth group and repairing the sound system that the youth use. It may be a bit rough, and it may even be ugly to everyone else. But to me, its beautiful. I am so excited, because I'm starting out with the same things that it took me 3 years to amass in Dodge. Where will this group be 3 years from now? Who knows, but I am excited to see it happen.

Day 36 of my beautiful journey.

I know with out a shadow of a doubt that the Lord has called me to youth ministry. Working with students is a huge passion of mine, and tonight was the best night I have had in a long time. After a few months on hiatus from youth ministry, tonight I was finally able to start to get back into the swing of things. It's a new group of youth, with a whole new set of challenges, but I can't remember the last time I was this excited. Although I will say one thing, I totally understand what some of my mentor pastors have said in the past, there is nothing more exhausting then preaching. It exhausts you spiritually, emotionally and physically. No one that hasn't preached could ever begin to understand the exhaustion that comes after a Spirit-led lesson. It's like the Spirit's way of saying 'good job'. Tonight was beautiful. It may not have been beautiful to anyone else, but it was beautiful to me.

Day 29 of my beautiful journey.

Sorry last night was a late one. Yesterday I found new friendships beautiful. The hardest part of starting at a new church is getting to know people. But last night I was blessed with the opportunity to just hang out and laugh with some students. It was good. I love my job.