If you've been around this little slice of the internets for more then 2.5 seconds you know that I work at a church and that I am the director of youth and family ministry. This title means that I do a lot of different things. One of those things is helping with confirmation. I say "help" because I don't really get to teach anything. I make copies, send out letters to parents, keep track of sermon notes that the kids have turned in, and try to keep up with the acolyte schedule.
Well, this past Sunday (May 6th) was Confirmation Sunday around here. I don't really like that we call it Confirmation Sunday becuase we're really not confirming anything. We're asking these young people to affirm their faith and the promises that their parents and sponsors made for them at their baptisms. I also don't like that we tell them when in life they need to do this. I really wish that we left that decision up to the parents. But that is a tangent for another day.
We had a banquet and a time for rehearsal for our Confirmands on Saturday evening. The people that were hired to make dinner thought we were eating at 5:30. The letter that went out to the parents said we were eating at 6. The newsletter and the weekly bulletin said we weren't eating til 6:30. Ugh. Our fellowship hall (where the dinner was) has 16 tables that seat 9-10 people each. We had 18 Confirmands, some of whom brought 12-13 guests to dinner. Ugh. I made cupcakes, just incase the sheet cake wasn't big enough. I like to put the frostin in a baggie and pipe it onto the cupcakes to make them look pretty. Someone else frosted my cupcakes while they were cooling and I was at home getting ready. And they didn't look pretty. Ugh.
That was all before dinner.
After dinner we headed up to the sanctuary. Well the parents and families did. I took the confirmands out into the narthex to get them in line so that they could practice for Sunday morning. Then the kids have to sit up front and share their faith statements one at a time. So nervewracking for them. I almost feel bad. Then we practice coming up front, what the Pastors will say, what the Confirmands have to say, etc. Then we did a lottery drawing to see where families would get to sit on Sunday morning. You see, sometimes parents can be a little crazy and fight over who gets to sit where and who is up front, and then you have people that want to get here at like 6:30 in the morning to save spots. So we do a lottery drawing- kids draw numbers & pews are numbered. So then after they all left I had to put names on each pew, reserved for the family of so and so.
While I was putting these reserved signs on each pew I lost it. I sat in the sanctuary and cried. I wanted to do this job to make a difference in their faith journeys. I wanted to share that with them and be influential. You know what? Less then 1/2 of them thanked me or even recognized me in their faith statements. Most of them thanked the Pastors. They thanked the Pastors that have a hard time remembering their names. They thanked the Pastors that show up to teach confirmation on Wednesday nights and seem to b more worried about who did the homework and getting through their lesson then they are in the kids lives and where the kids are at in their faith journey. I don't want to down play our Pastors, they are both great men but neither of them really have the heart for youth ministry. And I don't want to sound like I need public recognition. That's not why I do my job. But it would be nice to know if I made a difference. If I mean anything to them or if I have impacted their journey at all.
So I sat 1/2 way back on the south side of our sanctuary and cried. I asked God if this is what I'm suppose to be doing. I questioned all of my decisions up to this point.
Then I went back to putting names on pews and finishing up what needed to be done.
Sunday morning came, all 18 Confirmands showed up and affirmed their baptisms.
I got invited to one Confirmation party, one mom thanked me for all of the work I did, and no one asked to take their picture with me.
I knew coming in that ministry was a thankless job but this is brutal...
May 8, 2012
April 26, 2012
Movies, fingernails, and sleepless nights...
For the first time in our marriage one of us slept on the couch.
And it wasn't the Mr.
At 2 o'clock this morning I gave up on trying to fall asleep in bed. I had been laying there awake for 3 hours, the TV had been off for 2. I tried reading. I tried looking at facebook on my phone, I tried counting, I tried laying there with my eyes closed thinking about nothing. Nope, didn't work. So at 2 am I went to the couch and put the TV I watched at least a half our of TV. Then the next thing I remember is the Mr waking me up at 7 when he was leaving for woke asking me if he had hogged the bed that bad? What? No, I just couldn't sleep.
This situation solidifies that I am my father's daughter (if there was ever any doubt!). There are many mornings at my parents house where you'll find my dad on the couch with the TV on. He falls asleep in their bed, wakes up in the middle of the night, can't fall asleep again so he goes to the couch. Amazing how we are so similar to our parents :)
*****
This past Sunday I went to see Titanic in 3D. So good. The Mr had no desire to see it with me so I went with a lady from church. We made a day of it, afer church she picked me up, we went to Crookston to pick up her daughter from college then off to Grand Forks. We went to the Olive Garden for lunch, then to Target quick (I feel like those 2 words shouldn't go together- it's never quick to go to Target!), then to the boys & girls club to drop off left overs from our rummage sale, then to the movie. It was so good!!! I loved it as much as I did the first time I saw it. After the movie we were talking about the first time it came out. Cammy (the lady from church) was pretty sure that it had been 15 years since it came out. That would mean I was 10 the first time it was in theaters. All I could think was, "Would my mother really let her 10 year and her 2 friends go see that movie by themselves?" So I googled it, sure enough it came out in 1997, so yes, my mother let her 10. I called to ask her about it. She said we could have the conversation again when I have my own 10 year old daughter. Then she asked me if I was going to call my friend's mom and yell at her too.
I don't think I've seen the movie in it's entirety since my 10 year old self saw it in the movie theater. There were so many things that I forgot!! And there were so many things that hit me differently now that I'm older. Like when they're getting in the life boats and the mother says "Well I hope the boats aren't too crowded." I was stunned. Then I found myself wondering what side of that statement I would be on. My family is by no means "upper-class" but we're also not "steerage" (that term didn't sit well with me any time they used it in the movie). Would I be worried about being crowded? Or would I want as many people as possible in the boat?? I'd like to think I'd want as many people as possible in the boat, but I also like to be comfortable.
There were certain parts of the movie that made me cry, just like last time. I cry when you see the old couple in the bed together as the water is rushing under their bed, I cry when the china falls off of the shelves, I cry when the captain goes down with his ship and all the windows break, and I cry when Rose lets go (of Jack and the diamond). Even though it makes me cry, I love it.
*****
Ever since our wedding I've had my nails done. I go to a salon in my hometown because it's super cheap. Srsly- $15 to get them filled and airbrushed!! What?!? But my hometown is 100 miles away from where I live now. So the last time I had them filled was March 16th. I had them filled and had the french tip airbrushed on.
Well, during Holy Week I wore my new black maxi dress one day and I found myself having to hold it up when I walk. Since it was new, it had never been washed. Because of this my pretty white tip nails, my white watch, and my wrist were all black. Gah! So I filed down the top layer of nail polish, used some remover and got rid of the black residue. Then I used my nail polish pen and painted on new white tips. Well that didn't last too long, they wore off :( So last week I took the polish off all together, filed them down cuz they were getting kind of long and left them naked. Until yesterday.
I have seen ads for this stuff all over the place and was dying to try it
And it wasn't the Mr.
At 2 o'clock this morning I gave up on trying to fall asleep in bed. I had been laying there awake for 3 hours, the TV had been off for 2. I tried reading. I tried looking at facebook on my phone, I tried counting, I tried laying there with my eyes closed thinking about nothing. Nope, didn't work. So at 2 am I went to the couch and put the TV I watched at least a half our of TV. Then the next thing I remember is the Mr waking me up at 7 when he was leaving for woke asking me if he had hogged the bed that bad? What? No, I just couldn't sleep.
This situation solidifies that I am my father's daughter (if there was ever any doubt!). There are many mornings at my parents house where you'll find my dad on the couch with the TV on. He falls asleep in their bed, wakes up in the middle of the night, can't fall asleep again so he goes to the couch. Amazing how we are so similar to our parents :)
*****
This past Sunday I went to see Titanic in 3D. So good. The Mr had no desire to see it with me so I went with a lady from church. We made a day of it, afer church she picked me up, we went to Crookston to pick up her daughter from college then off to Grand Forks. We went to the Olive Garden for lunch, then to Target quick (I feel like those 2 words shouldn't go together- it's never quick to go to Target!), then to the boys & girls club to drop off left overs from our rummage sale, then to the movie. It was so good!!! I loved it as much as I did the first time I saw it. After the movie we were talking about the first time it came out. Cammy (the lady from church) was pretty sure that it had been 15 years since it came out. That would mean I was 10 the first time it was in theaters. All I could think was, "Would my mother really let her 10 year and her 2 friends go see that movie by themselves?" So I googled it, sure enough it came out in 1997, so yes, my mother let her 10. I called to ask her about it. She said we could have the conversation again when I have my own 10 year old daughter. Then she asked me if I was going to call my friend's mom and yell at her too.
I don't think I've seen the movie in it's entirety since my 10 year old self saw it in the movie theater. There were so many things that I forgot!! And there were so many things that hit me differently now that I'm older. Like when they're getting in the life boats and the mother says "Well I hope the boats aren't too crowded." I was stunned. Then I found myself wondering what side of that statement I would be on. My family is by no means "upper-class" but we're also not "steerage" (that term didn't sit well with me any time they used it in the movie). Would I be worried about being crowded? Or would I want as many people as possible in the boat?? I'd like to think I'd want as many people as possible in the boat, but I also like to be comfortable.
There were certain parts of the movie that made me cry, just like last time. I cry when you see the old couple in the bed together as the water is rushing under their bed, I cry when the china falls off of the shelves, I cry when the captain goes down with his ship and all the windows break, and I cry when Rose lets go (of Jack and the diamond). Even though it makes me cry, I love it.
*****
Ever since our wedding I've had my nails done. I go to a salon in my hometown because it's super cheap. Srsly- $15 to get them filled and airbrushed!! What?!? But my hometown is 100 miles away from where I live now. So the last time I had them filled was March 16th. I had them filled and had the french tip airbrushed on.
Well, during Holy Week I wore my new black maxi dress one day and I found myself having to hold it up when I walk. Since it was new, it had never been washed. Because of this my pretty white tip nails, my white watch, and my wrist were all black. Gah! So I filed down the top layer of nail polish, used some remover and got rid of the black residue. Then I used my nail polish pen and painted on new white tips. Well that didn't last too long, they wore off :( So last week I took the polish off all together, filed them down cuz they were getting kind of long and left them naked. Until yesterday.
I have seen ads for this stuff all over the place and was dying to try it
It's Sally Hansen Salon Effects nail strips. Awesome! I got the gold sparkle (the silver and pink sparkle can be seen here on the top row). It's a little much for everyday wear. I was hoping for the pink sparkle the multi sparkle or a solid color but no such luck at my Wal*Mart. My total cost was $9.08. Once I figured out what I was doing it was super easy! I don't think I would go with a design like the butterflies or the houndstooth where you'd be able to tell if they were stretched out because the directions do tell you to stretch it a little to get it to sit right on your nail. But with the sparkles or a solid color you don't have to worry about that! And you can hardly tell where my nail has grown out!
I will for sure be using these to prolong my salon visits!
Love, Mrs. K
I will for sure be using these to prolong my salon visits!
Love, Mrs. K
April 25, 2012
So What Wednesday
First of all- what's up with this new layout on blogger? I know that they said I new layout was coming and they were getting a new look and I feel a little like all of those people that compalin when facebook changes but I'm not sure if I like this or not...
Second- I'm sorry I have negelected you for the past 2 weeks. I like you, I really do, I'm just not so good at blogging everyday. I'm trying to get better at it becuase I like to blog, I like sharing things and using this space to get my thoughts out (however deep or shallow they may be).
Third- the party you all came for:
Second- I'm sorry I have negelected you for the past 2 weeks. I like you, I really do, I'm just not so good at blogging everyday. I'm trying to get better at it becuase I like to blog, I like sharing things and using this space to get my thoughts out (however deep or shallow they may be).
Third- the party you all came for:
So What Wednesday!
I'm linking up with the beautiful Shannon from Life After I "Dew"
for another eddition of So What Wednesday!
Here's what I'm saying So What to this week:
*if this is the 2nd day in a row I've had 'lazy' hair? Yesterday was a messy bun and today it's a fishtail braid. I just don't care/I don't want to blow dry my hair.
*if I never thought I'd be one of 'those' girls that blow dries her hair everyday? Srsly- in high school I used to laugh at 'those' girls...
*if I've glued my Otterbox iPhone cover back together 3 times now? The Mr did call them and they sent me a new one but they sent me the cover for the 4s and I just have the 4. It still fits and it works just fine but I don't like the new one as much. So I'll just keep glueing mine back together. (Actually since Sunday I haven't even had a cover on it!! Shocker, I know!)
*if I just recently realized that Flo' Rida (the artist- usuing that term loosely) spells Florida? Really?? So if I beccome famous I can make a name out of Minnesota?
*if I'm on the committee that's in charge of the Post Prom Party here in our Northern town this weekend and I have zero desire to go to the party or be involved at all?
*if I really want a baby? I had a dream last week that when I went to my physical on Monday my doc told me that we were preggo... didn't happen in real life.
*if I'm ready for June so school will be over and we can get onto summer programing at church? Summer is so much easier and more fun!
What are you saying So What to this week?
Head on over to Life After I "Dew" to link up and see what
everyone else is So What-ing this week!
Love, Mrs. K
April 13, 2012
games
I have an iPhone. And I love it.
I really enjoy the games that I can play on it. Especially games that I can play with my sister. Like scramble with friends. Check this out- we're pretty awesome:
I really enjoy the games that I can play on it. Especially games that I can play with my sister. Like scramble with friends. Check this out- we're pretty awesome:
I beat her by one point! How does that even happen??
And then:
I beat her by exactly 100 points!! We really are awesome.
I don't win all the time, she beats me sometimes.
I also play words with friends and draw something. 1107Sarah, if you want to play with me!
Love, Mrs. K
April 12, 2012
GCB
Have y'all seen this show? I am in love with it!! I don't know if it's because it's a great show or because I work in a church so some of these things are extra funny. Either way, it's great!
I missed the first episode, but read all about it in my mom's people magazine. I kid you not, that night I downloaded the book onto my Kindle (love having that thing!) and read the whole thing in 2 days. Could not put it down. So then the next Sunday I was all ready for episode 2.
In the beginning of episode 2 Carlene, Sharron, & Cricket have their gardener's at the church and the Pastor is putting the new sermon title on the church sign out by the road. The title is "love your neighbor". Sharron has a little bit of a melt down because she hasn't been nice to Amanda who just went through a divorce and moved back home. Sharron wasn't being nice because she thought her husband was cheating on her with Amanda. The other ladies assured it that everything was ok then told her that she didn't need 1 Corinthians 13 which is all about love. No, she needed Luke 9 which is full of revenge.
I'm hooked.
And have you been to the website for the show? ABC's GCB. Go. Check it out. I'll wait.
Wasn't that great? I love the commandments that they have on there and the "blogs" that the characters write.
I laugh for an hour straight every Sunday. The Mr. doesn't really understand the show or why I like it though. So he doesn't watch with me.
And, I love that it's on on Sunday nights. I almost never have conflicts on Sunday nights. Any other night and it would be out. ABC has great line ups other nights of the week but I just can't commit. So, thank you ABC for this little gem that I end every weekend with.
Love, Mrs. K
April 11, 2012
So What Wednesday
Here's what I'm saying So What to this week:
*if I've been bad at blogging lately?
*if I can't stand the new(ish) Target commericals with the guys in the bright suits? The song they sing always gets stuck in my head!!
*if I totally failed in taking a picture a day in March?
*if I like it better when people invite me to play scramble with friends so that I can see their scores right away?
*if somedays I hit the snooze on my alarm when the Mr's alarm goes off?
*if I fell asleep at my desk one afternoon last week? The phone rang and woke me up... Oops!
*if I like to watch old Jersey Shore reruns on my lunch break?
*if I can never remember to take things out of the freezer to thaw to make for dinner that night? Thank goodness there is a defrost setting on our microwave!
*if I was ironing/steaming my Easter dress at 11:30 on Saturday night?
*if I needed my husband to explain to me how to use said iron/steamer?
*if I was ironing/steaming my Easter dress at 11:30 on Saturday night?
*if I needed my husband to explain to me how to use said iron/steamer?
*if I watch Armegeddon almost everytime I come across it on TV?
*and so what if I cry every time Bruce Willis says goodbye to Liv Tyler? And again when all they guys get home?
*if this list got a little long? That's what happens when you take 2 weeks off from blogging!
What are you saying So What to this week?
Head on over to Life After I "Dew" to link up with Shannon &
see what everyone else is saying So What to this week!
Love, Mrs. K
April 10, 2012
Holy Week Recovery...
Hey friends!
I'm so sorry that I haven't checked in with you guys in almost 2 weeks! I'm not a fan of making excueses but, I'm the director of youth and family ministry at our church (yes, that is my full time job) and last week was holy week. Which means is was the week between Palm Sunday and Easter, which is the busiest week of the whole year at church. And my business actually started the Thursday before, on March 29th. I went to my parent's house for my sister's 22 birthday :) Yay for birthday celebrations! Then on Friday the 30th I headed out to our synod's annual gathering for Sr Hi youth, so much fun but so tiring. Then it was back to this northern town that we call home on Sunday night. And Monday morning the Holy Week craziness started. I had groceries to buy, a traditional Passover Seder Meal to oversee, a National Youth Gathering meeting to hold, a youth and Christian Ed board meeting to attend, 1st communion worship on Maundy Thursday, an Easter breakfast to prep, an Easter sunrise service to run, and I had to figure out how to make Easter dinner since the Mr and I didn't go home this year.
But it was good. I love when there are lots of people at church. It makes the time go faster and I love being a part of milestones with families.
Like I said, the Mr and I didn't go home for Easter. This is my 3rd Easter at the church at that I work at. The past 2 years we've gone to the Sunrise Service (6:30 am) here and then headed home to go to church with my family at 11. But that was when the Mr lived in the same town as both sets of our parents. And when he worked in that town too. But my parents weren't planning on having dinner til almost 5 and the Mr had to be back here to work by 7 on Monday morning. It just seemed way to rushed. So we stayed here. I made ham and cheesy potatos. We have lots of leftovers and we'll be eating it all week. But it was (and is) good. And I feel grown up.
How was your Easter?
Love, Mrs. K
I'm so sorry that I haven't checked in with you guys in almost 2 weeks! I'm not a fan of making excueses but, I'm the director of youth and family ministry at our church (yes, that is my full time job) and last week was holy week. Which means is was the week between Palm Sunday and Easter, which is the busiest week of the whole year at church. And my business actually started the Thursday before, on March 29th. I went to my parent's house for my sister's 22 birthday :) Yay for birthday celebrations! Then on Friday the 30th I headed out to our synod's annual gathering for Sr Hi youth, so much fun but so tiring. Then it was back to this northern town that we call home on Sunday night. And Monday morning the Holy Week craziness started. I had groceries to buy, a traditional Passover Seder Meal to oversee, a National Youth Gathering meeting to hold, a youth and Christian Ed board meeting to attend, 1st communion worship on Maundy Thursday, an Easter breakfast to prep, an Easter sunrise service to run, and I had to figure out how to make Easter dinner since the Mr and I didn't go home this year.
But it was good. I love when there are lots of people at church. It makes the time go faster and I love being a part of milestones with families.
Like I said, the Mr and I didn't go home for Easter. This is my 3rd Easter at the church at that I work at. The past 2 years we've gone to the Sunrise Service (6:30 am) here and then headed home to go to church with my family at 11. But that was when the Mr lived in the same town as both sets of our parents. And when he worked in that town too. But my parents weren't planning on having dinner til almost 5 and the Mr had to be back here to work by 7 on Monday morning. It just seemed way to rushed. So we stayed here. I made ham and cheesy potatos. We have lots of leftovers and we'll be eating it all week. But it was (and is) good. And I feel grown up.
How was your Easter?
Love, Mrs. K
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