In this season of my life I am not very involved in the HS ministry with Jeff. I try to be seen, but don’t lead anything and usually don’t even make it to a service except at the end with my kids. So the other day I checked my kids into child care and decided to go to the HS service with Jeff instead of “Big Church”. I got inspired and wanted to sit at a table with students to talk and lead some discussion. So I scoped out a table of students that looked like they were not connecting so well. To pump myself up I thought, “I’ve done this before, I’m good with students, I’m pretty cool, here I go…” I approached the table, introduced myself to the 4-5 girls and sat down with them. Within seconds all the girls got up and moved to a different table! So there I was, sitting alone at a big round table feeling so good about ministry. Awesome.

What do you do? Keep trying? I don’t know that I want to, or have the energy.
Sometimes it is hard to just accept that this is not my season, sometimes I’m fine with it.
Does anyone else flip-flop like me?

Marriage and Family podcast with Doug and Cathy Fields
Thursday, May 29 at 1:30 pm PST

http://www.ustream.tv/simplyinsider

He’s home! I feel exhausted, yet sorta like I made it to the top of Mt. Everest successfully! I did it!! Alone for a week and everyone is alive. I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t all snuggles and hugs. There were a few tantrums, spanks, and time-outs (and that was just me)…by Sunday I would have given my kids away for free! But Jeff came home, took Tuesday off of work and I am a NEW WOMAN! Bring it on sisters!

I’m glad I don’t have to do it again for a few more weeks.

Amanda

and my husband is at camp! No fancy dinners tonight, just me, the kids and pizza. I’m not too bummed, we will get ourselves some “reservations” next week. Well, I thought I would take this time to remind myself and publicly affirm just how great my husband is. He really is the smartest person I know. He makes me laugh even when I don’t want too. I know he loves me and our kids more than church and work or anything (except God).? He knows how to make me feel safe, and? good about who I am. He always tries to understand what I am going through, even if there is no possible way. I know our family is blessed by God because of Jeff’s leadership and faithfulness. He puts others first and tries to see the other perspective. He knows he is not always right, and doesn’t try to be. I respect him, I respect the way he works, I respect the passion he has for people and? the Lord. He is a good man. I am super lucky, and I love him so much.

Happy anniversary Jeff! I love you.

Amanda

Now ladies…go kiss on your husbands and tell them how much you love them

I’m always surprised when other moms want my advice about (anything) but most recently, preschool. They seem to ask as if I know something…?

For instance, if I’m going to send my kids to our church’s preschool and if I am it must have been a God given premonition and other schools are from Satan, right?

When really the only reason I am sending my son there is we get a discount and Jeff can take him and pick him up from school each day.

Don’t get me wrong I LOVE our church. I am excited for the education Dylan will get from people I trust. But we do pass 4 other very qualified preschools on our way to church, that are in fact much cheaper.

So I tell it like it is, and usually they walk away not liking my answer. I don’t think it’s godly enough for them.

Just something I have observed.
Do people expect you to know stuff just because of your husband’s job?
Have you ever felt like people want you to be more “Godly” than need be for some situations?

Marriage and Family podcast with Doug and Cathy Fields
Thursday, May 15
2:45 pm PST

http://www.ustream.tv/simplyinsider

And for those of you who have missed them because of the time, or whatever…I just found out how you can see them at your convenience:
The newest Marriage and Youth Ministry Podcast is now on Blip.

Go to:

http://www.symmarriagepodcast.blip.tv

It was so great to read all the ways you all encourage your spouses. I know I took some notes from you ladies! I love the way each of you loves and supports your spouse.? We do a lot of kidding around and venting on this site, which I LOVE! But it is refreshing to read how much you love being married to your youth pastor. I was really encouraged by your encouragement.

I had some youth pastors from Simply Youth Ministry read the comments and they (all men) voted on their favorites. (side note, if it had to do with sex…you probably won!) Here they are, I know you all are holding your breath…

#1 Shari

I pray for him. I love him to the best of my ability. I feed him. I make love to him. I listen a lot. I truly believe that he is an incredible man of God and that he is loving kids to the best of his ability and by God’s help even more and I tell him that (although probably not enough). I laugh with him. I cry with him. I care.
Married to a youth pastor for 14 years this May!

#2 Diana
To encourage my husband we have sex and I initiate it…he would say that’s the #1 encourager for him.

#3 Ryanne
My husband is actually the spouse of the youth worker…which means he probably needs even more encouragement! As you can imagine my husband’s time and “our” time is sacrificed a lot due to busy schedules, late night small groups, and events. I try so hard to make sure that I know the things that make my husband happy, like football, and look for reasons and different ways for him to enjoy what he loves. That could be sitting next to him while he watches the game or making sure he sees atleast one game live a season.

Congratulations ladies!

I love all your ideas, you guys are great!!

Love,

Amanda