Corrina is doing much better. She is moving to Arizona with her father and step-mother, both God fearing people. Her natural mother is still up-and-down emotionally.
This last week, an elderly dear friend went home to Jesus (she was the mother of my best friend, and his brother is my brother-in-law!) So I've been a little slow at responding to things lately. (Yet I still find time to debate theology, theosophy, and doctrine on http://www.facebook.com/JesusDaily?sk=wall&filter=1#!/JesusDaily?sk=wall&filter=1
It's fine by me to message this way, I think, because it keeps a public accountabilty about conversations online, reducing the appearance of hypocrisy!
Growing up too quick can become a burden in the future, so I pray you will allow yourself time for enjoyment and "play". (Not saying you should go grab a Barbie, but just allow yourself the laughs!)
The greek wording of the oldest known copies of the Bible were typically used when speaking of youth. At that time in history, it was common for Girls to be betrothed by age 10-12, and be married by 12-15. An unmarried woman of 20 was considered spinster! (They didn't live as long as today, at that time.)
I think that youth have the serious drive in thier hearts, so that they can be powerful tools for God DURING these years! They tend to have the energy, and the daring! (A lot of older people fail at tasks because we KNOW we can't do it, youth succeed at the same task, because they didn't know it's impossible!)
I hope you develope your teaching skills, a Godly woman with the ability to teach is a formidable person in God's army. And there seem to be so few people willing to actually serve in church. (If only others knew how satisfying it was to serve!)
I must go create and print the labels on to the CDs for tomorrows service, then prep the youth room!
I got put in the sound room because I'm a technically minded person. I am an electrician by trade. I got put in the Youth position because I communicate better with youth than with adults. (Adults seem to think they already got it ALL figured out! Not a CHANCE!!)
My church has an ACTIVE congregation of about 75. (Probably 200 members). My youth group (on Wed) is around 20. (Started with 2). Youth Sunday School is at 4! (A constant issue for me!)
A little technical on the setup: (hey did I just hear your eyes roll up in your head?)
We record straight to CD, with a Tascam Pro CD recorder. That means, I need to do good live mixing! (The time between sermon end and CDs need to be ready is about 8 minutes. No time for post editing.)
I do use Audacity for post production for podcasting. (It takes around 4 hours to edit into a podcast + tag it, and embed scripture (so if it's played on Ipod the scripture to the sermon is on screen!) You can find examples of the podcasts on my MCH page, in the audio area (upper right)
We use EasyWorship to stream videos, lyrics, scripture, and powerpoint to both a congregation projector, and a monitor for the 'worship team'.
Plus we use a 5 disc CD changer for playing music. (Before and after service, I stream worship music out to the parking lot through steeple speakers!)
Most of the mixing happens at the mixing board. only 5 wired mikes, 5 wireless mikes, an organ, Computer, effects, CD, DVD player, VCR, plus record OUT, and effects IN (I NEED a 24, or even 36 channel mixer, but that's WAY outside the budget!)
The effects are limited to a compressor, an expander, and a vocal auto-mix (undocumented).
I will be seeing Corrina tonight in Youth Group. She hasn't returned any texts this week, but I did see her active on Facebook. She seems to be OK, but it's easy to 'seem ok' through the filter of a keyboard. I don't want to push her either!
I think I filled too much of your guestbook already!
I will keep you in prayer as well! And I hope you are still active in your church! There is strong Biblical evidence that God uses teenagers (Jesus' mother; Mary, and 10 of the apostles were teens!)
Hey, I've lately been listening to Christian Rap (LaCrea, T-Bone, KJ-52), as well as transitional (Toby Mac, Manafest, Shachah). I do still listen to rock (Red, Disciple, Fireflight, and yes some Anberlin)
I can sure use any and all prayer!
I was thrown into the sound room myself, with a 16 channel mixer, a 6 foot tall packed equipment rack, a 4 screen video computer, and the expectation to run the worship videos, sermon notes, audio setup, PLUS have 5 copies of that Sundays sermon ready to go in audio CD format by the time they are walking out the door !
To add to this fun, I am now the Youth Minister! So I have to run from the Youth Room to get into the sound room each Sunday!
I am the first one there and the last to leave on Sun, Wed, and Sat. I typically end up spending an ADDITIONAL 16 hours a week at the church, all as unpaid volunteer.
But, to tell the truth, you couldn't pay me to STOP!
If you could, could you keep one of my youth group in prayer? Her name is Corrina, (16) and living with a foster mom. Her natural mother texted her yesterday saying, "I don't love you any more, don't call anymore, consider me dead to you."
I really like Randy Stonehill, too. Which albums have you heard? I'd have to say my favorite of his is Wonderama. Have you heard that one, or no? I've also heard Stories, and Edge of the World. I grew old before I was supposed to, so I'm a little stuck on older music, I think. : )
