ALL IN

I spent this past weekend with 8 middle school girls, 2 college students and my mother at my parents house. It was for D-NOW. (Or, Disciple Now). I was kind of just wanting to get it over with because of everything that is going on right now, but I tried to get my head and heart cleared and ready before I went to my mom's. It was just wonderful. The girls we had were so great. They never cried, fought or anything. They were asleep by 1:30 both nights-which I think is pretty miraculous for that age. The college students that were with me were so sweet and grounded and I enjoyed getting to know them better. The sessions at the church with the rest of the youth were just amazing and I learned so much. They dove deep- no playing around, and you could tell that the preparation that went into each session was thorough and prayed over. I needed this past weekend more than I realized. The greatest thing was getting to be with youth again. I didn't realize how much I had missed it until I got to do it again. It brought joy to my heart to be with these girls and listen to them share their lives and talk about how they are dealing with things. My mom called last night and told me "You were a hit, they all loved you and their parents say they can't wait until they can come to your house for DNOW next year." I was totally exhausted when I got home yesterday and fell asleep around 10 last night and slept like a rock until 6 this morning when my alarm went off. The girls didn't keep me awake- my mother did. She stayed up talking until about 2 each night and trying to figure out good pranks we could play on the girls to scare them, etc..... Then when she finally went to sleep she snored like a Harley Davidson. I woke up the first night to what I was sure was the Texas Chainsaw Massacre in the room. So, the next day, I ran home and got ear plugs and slept 4 hours instead of 2 Saturday night. Not much better, but hey, it was some improvement. I missed B and the girls while I was gone, but I really needed this. The youth group at our church needs people to help with stuff, so I couldn't wait to get involved. Most people want to help with the little kids, but I would much rather be with a teenager! The theme for this weekend was "ALL IN- STAY IN". I realized that I had not been "all in" for Christ for quite some time. In fact, at times, I barely had a toe in. I needed to be there this weekend and my focus is back on track. I cannot wait to move so I can be more involved with the youth. The discussion leaders talked about how , as a Christian, we are going to face many tests and trials, and unless you are all in- completely in- you are going to have a hard time facing these tests and trials. He compared it to going into war without all of your armor- saying if you weren't completely covered there would always be an opening for something to hurt you. I decided it was time for me to be all in and hope I can really stick with it. The house is coming along- they put the windows in and it really is starting to look like a house. I'll have to take pics again soon. Y'all did not help me at all with the wallpaper. Everybody liked a different one! B liked one that no-one else liked, too, so I am really worse than I was before, but thanks for trying! I'm searching for a dining room chandelier at the moment, so I may need to get opinions for that soon. I really cannot wait to move and be done with all of this........ Hope everyone has a good week. Gotta go clean the house. It is totally destroyed! B said that after being with the girls all weekend alone, he has a whole new appreciation for me, so I guess it is worth it!