When asked “what do you do?” most youth pastors can identify some major areas of his or her week (church meetings, youth group and message prep). Obviously there are other small areas that require more thought. However, many are forgetting some very basic but BIG areas. My hope is that this post will serve as a simple reminder.
Some things you may have forgotten to put on your schedule (in no particular order)...
Posted by lockofsparrows on April 11, 2013
http://memoironmymadness.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/five-things-you-may-have-forgotten/
I think I take more time to make a tweet than to type up a blog post. It’s much simpler, am I right? You have to put much more thought into making up a few paragraphs than to make a short meaningful sentence with unnecessary hashtags.
I like to confront people in person. I’ve tried with all that I am to not rant about specific people online in any way. It’s cowardice, I feel, to do that instead of going to them and telling them you have a problem. I am a young and new adult, but I’m not stupid. I know how to take care of myself and I don’t need people to be telling me all day long how they think I need to live my life. I haven’t even graduated yet and my parents already want me to be living on my own. Whether that is at a college, which none have accepted me, or an apartment, which I don’t have the money for yet. It’s depressing sometimes. Honestly, I could reveal all their deepest flaws and mistakes, but I don’t need to. First, I confront them in person. Sure nothing changes, but at least I do it. You shouldn’t ever be afraid to stand up for yourself and do what is right. Second, they do it for me to everyone who will listen. My job becomes exceedingly simple: Make it through until graduation and move out.
Isn’t that simple? I feel it is. The months have felt more like years instead. Nothing can satiate them. I want to get this out as nicely as I can because I need to. I have to get out. Does every kid go through this nearing graduation? I may just be among the millions who have done this for years. Am I alone in my craziness? I really do feel crazy. I want to go out and make my own way and make my own name and be my own. It can’t be done while I still reside underneath their roof. Do I hate them? No. I hate that they still treat me like a child. My brother, the one I’ve argued the most with since his conception, has been the greatest kid. We talk and watch tv and enjoy being around each other and it’s been great. I haven’t become angry at him for quite a long while.
He’s a great kid and I’m sorry I wasn’t so great to him all these years. I was too hard on him. He’s not that much younger than me, but I’ve always expected so much from him. I blame my parents because that’s how they’ve always been to me and the trait passed on to me. I really don’t have an excuse though. I’ve been a real jerk to my brother. MY BROTHER. I want to drive around and do odd things with him like I do with my other friends now. I am a little afraid to lose him, actually. I absolutely need to leave this house, but I still want to spend time with my brother. He’s a good kid and I want him to have a place where he belongs. It’s amazing to see the growth in him over the years; most of it within the last month. My brother is a strong and growing kid, I only pray for guidance to help him as I can.
I’m not the best at this writing thing, but it does allow me a creative release. Friends, I may have the opportunity to pastor a church in the next year. If God allows, I’ll be out on my own and helping people grow closer to God. That’s all I really want, is to share the gospel. I’ve been awful and messed up more times than I can say, but he’s redeemed me. I can’t take back the hurt I’ve cause people, but I’ve found solace in his name and love. I want to help people not make my mistakes and live for him. I was a hypocrite. I lived for myself and my desires, which often were sexual. God lift me up and shook me out and made me whole. I’m living and serving him with my life now. I have no excuse now. Past is past, but the present is now. I will make the best of this moment and seize this day. Friends, if you have a moment, please pray for me. First, I ask that you would pray for my brother as he is trying to find a place where he belongs spiritually; a new youth group. He found a place this weekend where he fit in and the leaders were so good to him. He said it was the first time in his life he felt he fit in. I want him to find God joyfully like that and my prayer is that he find this place to belong, a home. Second, please pray for me and the opportunity to pastor a church. Pray God shows me what I need to do and if this is what I should do right now. Thank you for your kindness, dear friends.
Posted by lockofsparrows on April 9, 2013
http://memoironmymadness.wordpress.com/2013/04/09/leaving-this-house/
Just thinking late and thought: What if we raised up a generation of people who just loved? What if we changed our world into people who loved unconditionally? I’ll be the first to say that such a task isn’t easy. Of course, we may always disagree on things of various natures, but to love without question no matter what. People matter. What if we daily proved that to them? Through our actions. Through our lives. How would we look?
Posted by lockofsparrows on January 19, 2013
http://memoironmymadness.wordpress.com/2013/01/19/people-matter/
I haven’t stayed absolutely pure over the course of my lifetime. Yes, even pastors make mistakes. And I’ve made a lot. I am forgiven and I am found in the arms of Christ. I have let go and moved on. God is the only one to thank and praise for this. Through his power I have stepped closer and closer daily to overcoming all evil.
As a man, or perhaps it’s just personally, I came to one of the hardest choices I have had to make in a long time. I had to go to her and let her know what I have done and that I have not been this totally perfect guy my entire life. I have made mistakes. It was so hard to look her in the eyes and tell her that I have not been true to her my whole life and that I did not wait for her. I was on the verge of tears. Although, what God had in store for me was not what I had expected.
We were in a restaurant sitting across from each other eating Italian. It was just us alone. Only a few people were in this large establishment, which was a blessing, what I had to do would be difficult either way. It was a comfort to have just us and God. I told her everything, all while ready to cry. I don’t care if it isn’t a manly thing to cry, I was pouring out my sin to her. I let her know everything I have done and what happened and even things I have done while I was with her. I am not perfect in any way. I have forgiven myself and God forgave me long before that. I expected her to stand up and leave. To yell at me or cry and run out of the place without a farewell. God has blessed me with an amazing woman at this point in my life and I didn’t truly understand that until the moment in which she took my hand and looked me straight in the eye with that beautiful smile and said, “It’s okay. I forgive you.”
I couldn’t think straight, I couldn’t even look at her. I felt as if she was no longer there, but it was Jesus in her place speaking to me.
“It’s okay. I forgive you.”
She has been the greatest blessing in my life so far and I’m truly grateful for her. We’re working together to pursue Jesus. I had to let it all off of me and confess to her. She helps me stay in check. Asks me what I’ve been doing. Wonders what I need help with. It’s been so amazing! I want to be better for her. I told her that truly I want to be the best for Jesus, but he’s using her to help me get there. God is moving in us and I feel making us stronger in this relationship.
We worship together. We pray together. We study together. We pursue God together. We keep each other accountable. We pray for each other.
And no matter what:
Posted by lockofsparrows on January 5, 2013
http://memoironmymadness.wordpress.com/2013/01/05/im-so-forgiven/
God show me new joys. God shows me new trials. God shows me new ways of overcoming evil. Daily God draws closer to me as I draw closer to him. Nights like these, however, I’m having a difficult time. I’m alone. Just me, a laptop, and an empty room. The dogs are here but the sounds of their teeth gnashing on rawhide and bones isn’t much of a comfort. It’s not really distressing either, it’s just there. I haven’t the faintest idea where to go next. I’m bored, is simply all. I’m bored and alone.
There was a dance tonight, but I didn’t go. I don’t know why. I just didn’t. She’s there. Probably enjoying herself. Obviously. With young boys whom I don’t trust at all. It’s not that they’re bad, I just don’t trust them. I trust her, with all my heart, no matter what, but nothing anyone says will make me trust most of those little boys that hang around her. It’s irritating. I just want to go through my day and not worry that something is going to happen to her or if someone is going to hurt her. Especially those little things that hang around her. Am I jealous? In a sense, one could say yes. She is close to them and she doesn’t understand why I don’t like that.
And me, what do I do? I devote myself to her. Even some of the girls I may be around throughout the day I tend to distance myself from. Loyalty and respect. I don’t want even a inkling to be slipped somewhere within her pretty little mind that would make her think even the slightest that I want someone else. I don’t want anyone else. Just her. She’s my girlfriend. I’m utterly and entirely and joyfully devoted to her.
I’ve spoken with her about God. On a sidenote, thank you for your prayers. She has come to accept Jesus as her Saviour and I am so overjoyed. But I spoke with her about God, and our relationship. I told her that God will ALWAYS comes first in this relationship. I beamed from ear to ear when she said she loves Jesus more than she loves me. I got weak in the knees. No girl has ever said that before. No girl has actually done it. She means it truthfully and she lives it out day to day. I don’t deserve her. I really don’t. She is a Godsend. I didn’t even see her coming.
I told God I was going to put him first in my life and work on serving him daily. I can say for sure with 100% honesty that I didn’t care about girls. I was putting God first in my life. Funny enough, they flocked to me. I respected them. Treated them right. I got my life back on track after I screwed up. I let go of youthful lusts. It happened when I broke a girl’s heart. I had become too big, too messy. That’s when I chose to put God first. And I still do. My life has changed for the better and it continues to do so. This girl came into my life when I wasn’t even looking. She took over everything, but in a good way. I longed after God and prayed for two weeks. I felt different when I was with her and I liked it. It felt good. I took her some place special and I asked her to be my girlfriend. She came out of nowhere and made everything better somehow. I feel good when I’m with her. I feel happy. Loved.
God helped me get to that. I was nothing without him and I still am. Once I chose to fully give everything I am to God, he started placing things in my life that I needed. God blessed me in ways I can never return. I just praise him and give him my all daily in minuscule efforts to give him back what he’s done for me. I know I can never truly repay God for all the things he has done for me, but I give him my all and hold nothing back.
Even when it is hard, I give it all to him. My pains, my worries, my sufferings. Even now I’m having to let go of my worry about those silly little boys that hang around my girlfriend. They are nothing. I trust her. I trust God even more. And though it hurts to admit it, she does know how to take care of herself. She doesn’t actually need me…
I don’t deserve her at all. In any way. In the same way I wish I could give to God all he has given to me, I want to do the same for her. I’ve done nothing to deserve her, but God placed her in my life. I don’t know how long we’ll be together or what God has planned for us, but right now I am glad that God has us together and that we’re doing well. It’s a relief. I’m glad I trust her. I’m glad I love her. I’m glad.
Posted by lockofsparrows on October 6, 2012
http://memoironmymadness.wordpress.com/2012/10/06/im-glad/
Posted by lockofsparrows on September 2, 2012
http://memoironmymadness.wordpress.com/2012/09/02/lockofsparrows-on-deacons/
I’m so excited for Jesus! Is anyone else? I’m pumped to be unashamed for his name. The one who was and is and always will be coming. Jesus is my Saviour, the only one I know. He blesses me in everyday in ways I don’t even know. It’s time to stand up for his name. OneOneSix Clique is what I want to be a part of. Rep Jesus’ name unashamed everywhere I go. Live a life that’s different. Life out my Saviour in the life he’s blessed me with.
I’m ready to go forth and be different. My actions will be blessed. My joy will overflow. My Saviour will be shown. I will proclaim his name in word and action.
Pray for me as I try to witness towards a man at my work. His name is J and he needs Jesus. Pray for his heart to be softened to the gospel and for me to have obvious opportunities to rep Jesus’ name towards J. Sharing Jesus I have to be unashamed. That’s where I stand and I pray you do to. Jesus loves you so much and wants so much to be with you. Let him in! I pray this for each and every one of you.
Pray for me as well in relationships. I’m seriously becoming so in love with Jesus. And I don’t want to be with a woman unless she is exactly the same. I’m at the point now where I don’t even want to look at a girl unless she is so joyfully in love with my Saviour. I need that in my life. A woman to keep me on track and to praise Jesus with me. A girl with a saved soul.
I wasn’t like that before. I only thought a little bit about it. Now I’m burning with a fire that can only be shared with a soul in the same. A woman so in love with Jesus that I will be the last thought on her mind in the day as she pursues Jesus in everything. I’m putting Jesus first. I only expect the same of her. I gotta MAN UP!
I need to share this with other men and women as well. I’m having a bible study at my house during the school year and I’m praying for deep opportunities to share the gospel. To show the love. Learning to be a man unashamed of Jesus. I have to push it out of control. Let Jesus be the center as he should be. My contentment is in Jesus. I’m no longer a robot running after things the world as. I serve a new master. A good master. The Saviour of the world.
Be joyful today! Rep that holy name!
Posted by lockofsparrows on September 1, 2012
http://memoironmymadness.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/hashtag-unashamed/
