Breathing Again... Come with to SYMC...

When you embark on providing a training website you aren't supposed to admit your weakness,  or failures or short comings.   I guess some people might see it as "authenticity,"  however,  I think many just think you are whining.  The fine line between vulnerability and simply giving "TMI" (too much info) can be very thin.

Yet,  if you have been reading between the lines at all these days you have found the article that I wrote about failure,  or the one that I wrote about dealing with the storms of life.  It doesn't take a rocket science to figure out that it has not been an easy season for me,  or my family.   If it was just one "thing" maybe it would be easier to share.  You know because you can tackle one hill at a time.  I could tell you how "I got over it."  Instead,  it has been more like the every day hiking of life.  One of those seasons as they say where desert is around every bend.   I find myself saying,  "Seriously,  we are here again,"  a lot.

In the midst of it all the Lord has given me an oasis.   The Simply Youth Ministry Conference.

No it is not a magic land where all ministry troubles get fixed.   Don't we all wish it was that simple?  

Yet,  this unique group of people has not created  merely a training space.  They have created a place to grow,  and breathe.

I was thinking about going there in March yesterday and three things truly made me smile.  (Aren't we supposed to offer ideas in threes :)

1.  Friends.

Through my years with this conference I have made friends from all over the country, and the world.  They are all at different stages of time in youth ministry.  Each and everyone spurs me on to a closer relationship with Christ.  They are how I stick it out in my calling many day.  These are the ones who purposely check in on me.  These are people that I can go to with any prayer request.  It has become a safe haven of true relationship.  I can get advice on how to tackle a ministry problem.  Best of all they don't let me take myself too seriously. I have never been to a conference that fosters a non- networking environment so beautifully.  Meaning,  we don't go looking for someone to hand a business card to.  Instead we go looking for those who are journeying this youth min world with us.  Better yet,  those on the road with out Savior.

2.   Sharing

If you look at my personality test one of my top "strengths"  is that I am a Communicator.   This means I am a story teller.  My greatest passion is to see a generation  thriving in the Lord.  I believe YOU are instrumental in that.  It makes me happy to see other youth people trained and equipped on every level.   Goodness,  after 20 years in ministry I have made a bucket load (ok maybe many dumpsters full... a canyon full?)  of mistakes.  I want to help you avoid my land mines.  Together we can wrestle through the hard stuff in ministry.   I am excited to share with you,  and for you with me.   I will be teaching some workshops,  participating in ministry conversations and leading what they call a connect group.  John will be there too sharing from his strengths- Strategist.  I love being in ministry with my husband and getting to be here with him is awesome.  I am ecstatic that he will be sharing his wisdom (seriously greater than mine.)  I can't wait to get to know you.  I can't wait for you to share your new ideas with me.  I know that together we can grow into a new place in ministry.

3.  Breathing Again.

If you haven't figured it out yet,  this is the theme of this year's conference.   When I looked it up the word "breathe" always means life to God.    Each of us needs to have a place to take that deep breath of the Lord and feel refreshed and renewed.  For some of us we need to take advantage of "The Shelter, "  a place to find one on one confidential conversations.  Some of us need deeper training.  Others need to connect.  Whatever way,  the heart of SYMC is to point us back to Jesus.   We are constantly reminded it isn't about what we do,  but who we have a relationship with.

Oh- and for those of you who are wondering Francis Chan and Jon Acuff will be there too...

Here's the hitch.   The conference is just one month away.   March 2-5 in Louisville, KY.  

TODAY is the last day for early bird registration.  You know you want to come and hang out.   You know you do....

If nothing else it is four glorious days when no one is pulling at you.  All you have to do is ...

Meet with the Lord...

All you have to do to get there is:  CLICK HERE