a different kind of boy.

Ya. I know. It's been a while. Before I took this space live, Janice made me promise I wouldn't start and then never post again. Which, this post is proof I have not done just that. But I do apologize to my two faithful readers that I have been off the grid for two weeks. Life has a way of happening in a tornado-like way occasionally and I've just now managed to find Toto and ensure we're back in Kansas so I'm ready to pick up routine and I promise never to leave you again, or at least for a few days.

I'll jump right in with what's been rumbling around in my head lately. In one of the four books I am currently in the middle of reading right now I read this quote the other day...

"Let's face it, as long as teenagers in the church are not getting into trouble with girls or drugs, no one is going to bother them."

The author is talking about his specific experience as a boy growing up in the church and, as much as I dont have loads to identify with him on, I do immediately think of three things. I think of the Babe and his experience growing up in the church, of a whole crew of youth guys who roll through the office on their longboards and of my adopted nephews who have turned, overnight, from toddlers to boys and who, Lord willing, will grow from boys into men at LEFC.

In deference to this author's bold statement, I see so many beautiful outpourings of God's grace to our boys and men at LEFC. My husband, his strong character and teachable spirit, is a direct result of the Stockade and Battalion programs here at LEFC. These are boys groups that follow kids through elementary and then high school teaching them about dodgeball, hiking, Jesus and many other exciting and vitally important things. Throughout his childhood and teenagehood he was poured into by a group of amazing, God-fearing men who taught him so much and continue to be there for him to this day. Men who didn't just "not bother him" because he wasn't into drugs and was dating a nice Christian girl. Men who made sure that he knew faithfulness and character were about more than just keeping the spoken rules.

I also see our youth pastor, "the-one-with-the-skinny-ankles" (more on HIM later), caring for our current crew of young teenage boys with an unconditional, 24-7, kind of love. Continually I hear of examples of kids who've had him speak into their lives; unapologetically calling them on their garbage. Not only does he just "not bother" guys, but he relentlessly pursues them, engaging in their lives, sports games and relationships, to make sure they have a place to always talk about what's going on in their worlds.

And finally, I get to hear the Vicar preach a sermon every week that ensures his boys are not going to grow up in a church where a gospel is preached that, if you aren't getting into trouble with girls or drugs, you're ok and you'll be left alone. He's continually reminding us (often loudly) that Jesus is after the heart, not our seemingly-good outward appearance and that we are made right by His blood, not our works.

These are just a few of the ways I see Jesus being so gracious to us here, there are many more beautiful examples of this as well as many ways where we are failing. Miserably. But this week I'm encouraged to be surrounded by men who care deeply about our boys and are trying to ensure they are not just left alone.

stolen friday.

God Moves in a Mysterious Way by William Cowper

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

the pipeline crew.

Alright so I said I would share a bit more about what 'Pipeline' is and I figured now is as good a time as any as I look at the calendar and see that we're not getting together with them until August and I feel quite sad about that!

Pipeline is a group of our young leaders who get together once a month. We eat, hang out, do mission together and discuss things that are relevant to our faith, to leadership and to building the church. This group is made up of some of our cluster leaders, Kidzone teachers, worship leaders and youth leaders. The Vicar (more on HIM later) takes time each gathering to pour into these guys; sharing his journey of leadership and opening up discussion so everyone can ask the real and honest questions about things they encounter along the path of leading others towards Jesus and into community. The group is also vitally important to the building and shaping of both "The Church" and our church. We bring stuff to them, ask for opinions and input and they are the hands and feet to our calling as a church as they live and breath Jesus Bigger (without even knowing it sometimes).

But that's just the vision and details of the group, let me share a bit with you about how I feel about these guys. THEY ARE AMAZING! When I said they live and breath Jesus Bigger, what I mean is; they are a humble crew who live like Jesus did so much so that He oozes out of them and the people in their worlds KNOW there is something different about them. I've seen them give of themselves, and their meager resources, so that Jesus' love will be spread like wildfire. I've seen them willing to drop everything to go. To go downtown Langley or downtown Mexico City and give whatever they can. They are all heart and I honestly love them so much. I love sitting with them, asking them how work was today and they share a story about praying with a non-Christian co-worker as if it's something we all do everyday. Because they DO DO IT EVERYDAY!

Last week the Babe and I were talking on our walk about how one day (in 300 years when we've saved enough) we'd like to own a house with a basement suite. When I asked him who he'd like to have rent from us, he listed off 4 guys from our Pipeline crew and it resonated so deeply with me. That's how much I like them Internet; I would like to live with them. Weird, I know.

top-ten thursday.

10. The Interns are here!!! They started last Thursday and I LOVE having them around the office; so much fun and so much life.

9. Sonship Lite. Last Thursday morning all the girls from the office and a few extras started going through Sonship Lite in a small group. Lots of talk about sin, Jesus and preaching the gospel to one another. It’s fantastic.

8. Watching the Babe play soccer late on Friday night; he’s awesome and we have such a great crew out there playing. It was lots of fun.

7. The church slow pitch team won the final tournament for the Langley Church Slo-Pitch League; 8 ball games in 24 hours = lots of fun and very sore legs!

6. Cheap gas and groceries trip to the Excited States of America on Sunday with the Babe.

5. Picked up the Rascals (my adopted, red-headed nephews) from school on Monday. We went for slurpees and crammed playing soccer, basketball and hockey into 2 hours – it ROCKED my SOCKS!

4. Sunday afternoon with the Pipeline crew (more about them later). Every minute with these guys reminds me there is nowhere else for me. Plain and simple.

3. HAVING A PUPPY! We’re borrowing said-adopted-nephews’ puppy for a few days and are completely smitten. She’s adorable and a total goofball and I’m tempted to not give her back.

2. See post titled “doing Jesus stuff out there.” Highlight of my week!

1. The Babe’s birthday was yesterday. I love celebrating him, he’s the most amazing part of my life, I’m blessed to be his wife and we’re having an excellent WEEK celebrating his birthday (cause he’s just that awesome!)