What happens next?

I have finally figured out what my blog series until I turn 30 is going to be about.
BUT this is not that blog.
I have had these thoughts pressing on my heart and I have to get them out.
By now, everyone is aware of friday's elementary school shooting.
This breaks my heart for those kids and parents. I cannot even begin to imagine that kind fear and pain. I truthfully pray that I never do.
The last few days I have been waking in the night thinking of these little tiny people and their parents.
I have been pleading with God for the last 2 months to break my heart for what breaks His.
WOW! Tell me please that this doesn't break His heart!
I know it does.
So as I lay awake at 3:30 every morning I keep thinking "God, what is it that You will have me to do?"

This is what hit me in the face this morning!

We are lazy!
We have a million and one excuses why we can't change anything!
Based on history, when revival has happened in this world it has been with youth or "younger" people. Well, what does that mean exactly?
I think it has given us "older" people a reason to say "Well I am not in youth group anymore so I can't be a part of that." And the "younger" people say "well I am too young!!"
GRRRRRRR!!!
NO!
I am not too OLD to impact someone for the cause of Christ. And youth: you are NOT too young!

Here is what it comes to:

If we, as adults, don't press or encourage teens and children to be more... who will? For real! We are waiting for God to do an amazing work but we aren't letting Him use us.
If you have considered working in youth or children's ministry or with teens and children in any realm and haven't because you are scared or think you don't have anything to offer.... this is my challenge to you....
Get over yourself! You can't complain about this generation if you are completely unwilling to help them learn more. REVIVAL is in their reach but they need someone to light that fire in them! THEY NEED YOU!! And I know its scary. But after spending 8 years in youth ministry one thing I KNOW is true is that they want you to love them. They will put up a wall and try to push you away... PUSH HARDER!!! Show them that they are worth fighting for. LOVE THEM!! Please.

Teens: STOP WAITING FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO DO IT!!!
You know better than anyone that GOD needs to be in your school and if you aren't willing to bring Him back there, who is? Stop waiting for someone else to come with you. Would that be nice? Sure. But the truth is that for the rest of your life you will have to stand for what you believe and you may have to stand by yourself. DO IT!! Stop waiting. I know that you sit in your classrooms and wonder about all the kids. I know that you swear and try things to fit in. I know and I am not mad at you... I was there once too. STAND UP! Be DIFFERENT!!! When everyone else is walking one way.... TURN AROUND AND WALK AGAINST THE CROWD!! You are unique and you have all the fire you need inside you to win this! The God of the Universe LOVES you! HE will NEVER leave you!! STAND UP!!!

If you don't feel like you fit into any of these areas, this is my challenge to you:

YOU are probably in the first group! So do a serious heart check and consider yourself and what you can give or truthfully maybe give up.

If you still don't think you fit, this is what I want you to do:
PRAY... and praying at home is just as powerful but my challenge is to pray at a local school. Even if you just sit in your car for 2 minutes in the parking lot on your way to work. PLEASE PRAY. Go to your local school/schools and pray for them. The teachers and students. Pray that God would press on hearts inside that building and that God would stir a revival in THAT school.

God is so big and I have kept Him in a box for far too long and made Him look like what I want Him to.
He is REAL and ALIVE ! He loves us. He was willing enough to send His Son to die for us .... I can humble myself and make some sacrifices for Him.

I am currently working on a plan of what I am going to do to impact our teens and our community.
Please pray and consider what God would have you to do.

GIFTS!!

Sometimes I have to just start writing nothing before I see where it is that God is leading my heart. I have to be real honest...
I know God is teaching us but I don't have ANY idea where He is taking us.
And I suppose I don't really need to know.
I mean what fun would that be?
Where would we find adventure in knowing exactly what was going to happen?!

So something you need to know about me...
I LOVE presents!!! My love language is gifts! I love getting gifts and I really really love giving gifts.
BUT
I HATE surprises! I know this makes no sense but stick with me.
I was that kid who snooped around before Christmas because I could not stand to wait.
I ruin SO MANY of my husbands special things for me because I ask a million questions.
( I do feel bad about that)
I hate waiting.

So all these "things" happening in my life...
It is kinda like a giant present from God that I am not allowed to open.
Not gonna lie.... totally sucks!
I know it will be worth it. I am SURE that its going to be FANTASTIC... but I really want to snoop and see :)
So apparently God is teaching me to wait and be patient.
Still learning :)