So, I'm leaving for home tomorrow and the doctors are still clueless on what's wrong with my dad. After an EEG, EKG, full MRI and Spinal Tap they still have nothing. The latest thing they checked for is the West Nile Virus (told you they were clueless)
Anyway, so I got on the internet tonight and searched for five minutes. I've got a diagnosis and, while still painful, would be funny if I were right. My prediction is Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome as a result of the Seroquel that he takes. Do you think if I'm right the doctors will give me part of their cut? I didn't think so either.
Honestly, I just want him better. Having your dad calling out random numbers and other things mid sentence is pretty weird. In his delirium, he's either at bingo, the boat or playing pool. All I know is he's got "eight and nine," the "stick is broke," and the "the ball is red or blue."
In the meantime, I'm working like crazy trying to get all the "big chunks" I need done by Sunday, done by Saturday noon. For my reward, I got a "illegal turn" ticket on my way home from work this morning while trying to avoid the 285 traffic. I was guilty so I didn't even try to fight it. It's the end of the month and I think the Dekalb police department failed to meet their quota. While I was waiting for my ticket, I saw three other cars get pulled over.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Don't forget to say "I love you"
Perspective is the most beautiful thing.
Tuesday night during the last night of the Cadre my sister called to tell me that my dad was in the hospital. Earlier that day, I was told he was found outside trying to open the front door with his car keys, then starring into the microwave and talking to it (don't worry you can laugh a little at that one, it's much more fun than crying). Anyway, in a matter of hours he was in a catatonic non-responsive state. He's been that way for the last 36 hours. They've run all sorts of test (EEG, EKG, spinal tap and now a full MRI) and have ruled out a lot of stuff, but haven't figured out the cause.
When the Cadre was going on my head was spinning so fast with it, that his hospitalization really didn't fully hit me. Today, it did. The thoughts that race through your head, the tears that randomly well up in your eyes, the contemplation of the future makes your heart heavy and your stomach sick... it's almost overwhelming. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful that my last words to him were "I love you dad."
Then about a half hour ago, my friend put the phone up to his ear and, while he couldn't open his eyes and is randomly yelling out numbers, we had a conversation. It was brief, but I got the opportunity to say "I love you dad" a few more time and he said it back. I am grateful.
Today when the MC kids told me of a few mishaps during the clean up of the Cadre, like the van got stuck in the grass and tore up some sod, we blew two tires, and there is a bag of candy missing for the next Cadre welcome bags, etc ... my response was buy some sod and don't back the trailer into the driveway anymore, buy a couple of tires and get the breaks checked, buy some more candy and we'll lock it up next time ... in light of eternity, it's really not a big deal. Perspective is a beautiful thing.
So, I'm on a plane home this weekend. In the meantime, my sister and brother are taking turns at the hospital. In addition, I have the MOST AMAZING friends in the universe who are taking turns up at hospital as well. I am so thankful. Very few people on the planet are as fortunate as I am to have one friend like this ... let alone a bunch of them.
Tuesday night during the last night of the Cadre my sister called to tell me that my dad was in the hospital. Earlier that day, I was told he was found outside trying to open the front door with his car keys, then starring into the microwave and talking to it (don't worry you can laugh a little at that one, it's much more fun than crying). Anyway, in a matter of hours he was in a catatonic non-responsive state. He's been that way for the last 36 hours. They've run all sorts of test (EEG, EKG, spinal tap and now a full MRI) and have ruled out a lot of stuff, but haven't figured out the cause.
When the Cadre was going on my head was spinning so fast with it, that his hospitalization really didn't fully hit me. Today, it did. The thoughts that race through your head, the tears that randomly well up in your eyes, the contemplation of the future makes your heart heavy and your stomach sick... it's almost overwhelming. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful that my last words to him were "I love you dad."
Then about a half hour ago, my friend put the phone up to his ear and, while he couldn't open his eyes and is randomly yelling out numbers, we had a conversation. It was brief, but I got the opportunity to say "I love you dad" a few more time and he said it back. I am grateful.
Today when the MC kids told me of a few mishaps during the clean up of the Cadre, like the van got stuck in the grass and tore up some sod, we blew two tires, and there is a bag of candy missing for the next Cadre welcome bags, etc ... my response was buy some sod and don't back the trailer into the driveway anymore, buy a couple of tires and get the breaks checked, buy some more candy and we'll lock it up next time ... in light of eternity, it's really not a big deal. Perspective is a beautiful thing.
So, I'm on a plane home this weekend. In the meantime, my sister and brother are taking turns at the hospital. In addition, I have the MOST AMAZING friends in the universe who are taking turns up at hospital as well. I am so thankful. Very few people on the planet are as fortunate as I am to have one friend like this ... let alone a bunch of them.
The Cadre and Mach 5
Mach 5 feels like the speed I am running right now. I just got finished with a "big chunk" and have four more "big chunks" on my plate to finish by Sunday.
We just rapped up our first Cadre Advance of the 2007-2008 (seven more to go). It was ridiculously amazing. We hosted 35 youth pastors for two days (three days including travel). Our goal was to spoil them like crazy, yet at the same time equip them to do ministry at a new level. From their comments, we succeeded. It took pretty much all of us on campus to do that ... all 97 of us.
Words cannot express (actually, they probably could, I'm just too tired) what it was like to have the opportunity to breathe life into them ... for some came in wounded, tired and discouraged, while others were great and just simply want to become the best they can be in order to serve the kids they so dearly love.
This was my first one to be one the primary leads. I was encouraged by the comments received on how I helped to make it better than ever. I guess ten years of orchestrating a week of camp each year paid off. Simply put, I totally love this place!
We just rapped up our first Cadre Advance of the 2007-2008 (seven more to go). It was ridiculously amazing. We hosted 35 youth pastors for two days (three days including travel). Our goal was to spoil them like crazy, yet at the same time equip them to do ministry at a new level. From their comments, we succeeded. It took pretty much all of us on campus to do that ... all 97 of us.
Words cannot express (actually, they probably could, I'm just too tired) what it was like to have the opportunity to breathe life into them ... for some came in wounded, tired and discouraged, while others were great and just simply want to become the best they can be in order to serve the kids they so dearly love.
This was my first one to be one the primary leads. I was encouraged by the comments received on how I helped to make it better than ever. I guess ten years of orchestrating a week of camp each year paid off. Simply put, I totally love this place!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
A Kiss From Heaven
Have you ever had those times where it feels like a kiss from heaven. I've had many, but two stand out in the last few months. Here they are...
1. My last day at Oasis when attendance hit 1,066. Not that numbers matter, but we all know they do. I remember someone asking, "did you ever think you'd hit a thousand?" Can't say that I had. It was a great night and the kids were so in tuned. That was pretty amazing in itself.
2. Last night Jeanne gave me a pass on coming to Oxygen, which I so appreciated the offer. However, I haven't missed a Wednesday night in over a dozen years if it was even remotely possible for me to get there (in fact, I remember driving like a mad women from Georgia, just to try and get there for the last fifteen minutes). I couldn't and wouldn't even think of missing it last night. Plus, it was 02 night, which means we would be in our small groups for the majority of the night. So, last month during our 02 group we had 8 students, and this month we were up to 26 kids. I'm not sure how you can get just excited over 26 as you do 1,066, but I was. Both nights felt like a kiss.
1. My last day at Oasis when attendance hit 1,066. Not that numbers matter, but we all know they do. I remember someone asking, "did you ever think you'd hit a thousand?" Can't say that I had. It was a great night and the kids were so in tuned. That was pretty amazing in itself.
2. Last night Jeanne gave me a pass on coming to Oxygen, which I so appreciated the offer. However, I haven't missed a Wednesday night in over a dozen years if it was even remotely possible for me to get there (in fact, I remember driving like a mad women from Georgia, just to try and get there for the last fifteen minutes). I couldn't and wouldn't even think of missing it last night. Plus, it was 02 night, which means we would be in our small groups for the majority of the night. So, last month during our 02 group we had 8 students, and this month we were up to 26 kids. I'm not sure how you can get just excited over 26 as you do 1,066, but I was. Both nights felt like a kiss.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
One thing I'm sure of
Ughhhhhh...did you ever have one of those days that makes you want to puke ... literally. One of my dearest friend's nephew committed suicide this morning, my dad's depressive side of his bi-polar has flared up again leaving him weak and reclusive and a handful of my friends have decided it's time to pull the rip cord before the landing leaves them with scars (long story you don't need to know about). It leaves you thinking what could I/we have done differently? My friends are hurting, I can't do anything. My dad is hurting, I can't do anything. My family is hurting, I can't do anything. I'm at a loss. The only thing I'm sure of right now is that God is still on the throne.
Sorry, no perky post today.
Sorry, no perky post today.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Anon's Story
You have a story ... I have a story ... we all have a story. If you let God hold the pen and write the story, it's much more creative, adventurous, fun, edgy and, yes, even scary than if you try and write your own. I remember when Rob first told Anon's story. I got goose bumps then, and just now when I read it again on Rob's blog.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Be There When It Matters Most - Simple, Yet Profound Lesson on Life
Even though I so want to, I can't maintain all the relationships I've developed throughout my life. I can't be there for a Friday night movie, all the birthday parties, the occasion dinner or hangout at Starbucks. I gave up a long time ago and made the decision not to feel "guilty" about it. However, there are key moments in my friends' lives where I will do whatever it takes to be there for them. This weekend is one of those moments. My friends T and Amealia are getting married in, of all places, Canada.
T and I go way back. He was my very first band director. After practice, he and I would talk late, sometimes until 2 a.m., about life and ministry. He went on to join Ron Luce with Teen Mania for two years. He is an amazing solid man of God. Amealia is amazing as well.
T was the big brother of Karissa. She would hang out until 2 a.m. as well. I'm not sure it was by choice, as much as T was her ride. She was quiet then and would, for the most part, just listen in on our conversations. Karissa is now a missionary in Malawi, Africa.
I love them and their family. So this weekend, I'm jumping on a plane and flying into Detroit, then driving 2 1/2 hours into Canada. Why? Because this is one of those important events in their life I want to be apart of.
I learned the "be there when it matters most" lesson right after my sister had shoulder surgery. At around 3 a.m. she made a 911 call to me because "she knew I'd be awake." She was in severe pain but the pain medicine was making her sick to her stomach. She had a perscription to get rid of the naseau but it needed filled. So, CVS and I befriended each other around 3:30 a.m. That was a marking moment for her. Lil' sis did good that day!
Dawsonville Georgia
Got back this morning from a conference Jeanne was the General Session Speaker at in Dawnsonville Georgia. Dawsonville is about an hour north of Atlanta on the infamous Gerogia 400. A couple of take aways...
1. Including me, there were six Cadre members there. Marty and I are alumni, Rolando is in his second year, and Julie, Joe and Christy are in the first year class. Julie, Joe and Christy are excited about the coming days in the Cadre. They will all be here October 22-23 for our first Advance. I'm not sure what you call it, but there is this amazing relational connection happening within the Cadre in a very short time and the momentum is only growing. I can't really explain it, just know I love it.
2. I had some amazing people working the product booth for Jeanne. One of the ladies was an aunt who was doing her very best to have an impact on her nephew and niece. She reminded me of my early days with Josh and Ashlyn. Another one was a mom and foster mom to six. One of the kids was there and his name was Taylor. Great kid, but I knew he really didn't feel like he fit in anywhere. When we were having coffee after the conference, Christy and I were chatting about "Taylor." She talked about how he comes here and there but isn't consistent. I encouraged her to give him a job to do and I think he'd show up every week. I don't know if that was experience talking or a Holy Spirit nudge but I hope she takes me up on it.
3. This is the theme of my life right now. But Jeanne said something in the car, unrelated to the conference, that stuck. Very simple, yet profound. "Judy, people really are hungry for even the smallest amount of authentic encourgement."
1. Including me, there were six Cadre members there. Marty and I are alumni, Rolando is in his second year, and Julie, Joe and Christy are in the first year class. Julie, Joe and Christy are excited about the coming days in the Cadre. They will all be here October 22-23 for our first Advance. I'm not sure what you call it, but there is this amazing relational connection happening within the Cadre in a very short time and the momentum is only growing. I can't really explain it, just know I love it.
2. I had some amazing people working the product booth for Jeanne. One of the ladies was an aunt who was doing her very best to have an impact on her nephew and niece. She reminded me of my early days with Josh and Ashlyn. Another one was a mom and foster mom to six. One of the kids was there and his name was Taylor. Great kid, but I knew he really didn't feel like he fit in anywhere. When we were having coffee after the conference, Christy and I were chatting about "Taylor." She talked about how he comes here and there but isn't consistent. I encouraged her to give him a job to do and I think he'd show up every week. I don't know if that was experience talking or a Holy Spirit nudge but I hope she takes me up on it.
3. This is the theme of my life right now. But Jeanne said something in the car, unrelated to the conference, that stuck. Very simple, yet profound. "Judy, people really are hungry for even the smallest amount of authentic encourgement."
Friday, October 05, 2007
Empower or Perish
I'm in a real intereting new place, one I've never fully been in before. I've empowered teams who have proven themselves trustworthy, I've delegated to individuals who I've had to depend on but weren't trustworthy and I've done a whole lot of stuff myself. However, in this new position, the empowering has went up to the nth degree. There is an immediate urgency to master. I'm learning quick. Today was interesting, here were the meetings...
Met with Jon and asked him to champion the team who will be working on the video project I've kind of created and the board approved. He's creative as all get out and can take my ideas to the next level...big time, but only if he has "buy in." After vision casting, he's "all in." I've given him the starting point with the hopes he will soar with his creatively wired mind.
Met with Jay and asked him to champion getting the 200+ resources we have on DVD into a downloadable format so when the new storefront goes up they will be ready. He can talk lingo I've never heard of to get what needs to be done...well... done. He's pretty stoked about the project and already has the team in mind to help him.
Met with the Cadre MC Executive Team (13 in all). Those who will head up tokens, transportation, apartment, cleaning, decor, communications, shopping, food, moving, valet and media teams to cast vision and talk about responsibilities. I talked about the importance of taking care of people and how it is transferrable to every area of minstry, as well as the corporate world. A pay check will only take you so far when it comes to motivation. Whoever sits under their leadership will work harder, longer and faster, as well as be happier, if they feel authentically loved, cared for and like they matter. The key is to continually work on being intentional. In order to accomplish what they are going to have to get done, they will have to empower their own teams. I think they will do great. They all have worked with and love the Cadre.
Met with Andrew, my junior high guy and checked in on our postcard launching the first promoted series ever in Sunday school and our 02 group. His work was awesome. Cheryl is working on our database which is lacking at the moment. It's weird to work junior high from the backseat. However, I'm up to bat teaching the students this weekend, so it should be fun.
My Administrative Assistant, Cherry, is doing a great job at helping me keep all the balls in the air.
Met with Jon and asked him to champion the team who will be working on the video project I've kind of created and the board approved. He's creative as all get out and can take my ideas to the next level...big time, but only if he has "buy in." After vision casting, he's "all in." I've given him the starting point with the hopes he will soar with his creatively wired mind.
Met with Jay and asked him to champion getting the 200+ resources we have on DVD into a downloadable format so when the new storefront goes up they will be ready. He can talk lingo I've never heard of to get what needs to be done...well... done. He's pretty stoked about the project and already has the team in mind to help him.
Met with the Cadre MC Executive Team (13 in all). Those who will head up tokens, transportation, apartment, cleaning, decor, communications, shopping, food, moving, valet and media teams to cast vision and talk about responsibilities. I talked about the importance of taking care of people and how it is transferrable to every area of minstry, as well as the corporate world. A pay check will only take you so far when it comes to motivation. Whoever sits under their leadership will work harder, longer and faster, as well as be happier, if they feel authentically loved, cared for and like they matter. The key is to continually work on being intentional. In order to accomplish what they are going to have to get done, they will have to empower their own teams. I think they will do great. They all have worked with and love the Cadre.
Met with Andrew, my junior high guy and checked in on our postcard launching the first promoted series ever in Sunday school and our 02 group. His work was awesome. Cheryl is working on our database which is lacking at the moment. It's weird to work junior high from the backseat. However, I'm up to bat teaching the students this weekend, so it should be fun.
My Administrative Assistant, Cherry, is doing a great job at helping me keep all the balls in the air.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
100 Largest US Churches and the Cadre
Just got a list from Outreach Magazine of the 100 Largest U.S. Churches. I thought it was awesome that three of the youth pastor's on the largest churches list are being mentored by Jeanne in the Cadre. Very cool!
Here's the top 10 out of 100...
1. Lakewood Church, Houston, TX – Joel Osteen (47,000)
2. Willow Creek Com. Church, South Barrington, IL – Bill Hybels (23,500)
3. Second Baptist Church, Houston, TX – Ed Young Sr. (23,198)
4. Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA – Rick Warren (22,000)
5. LifeChurch.tv, Edmond, OK – Craig Groeschel (19,907)
6. Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY – Dave Stone (18,013)
7. North Point Church, Alpharetta, GA – Andy Stanley (17,700)
8. Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA – Jonathan Falwell (17.445)
9. Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, FL – Bob Coy (17,000)
10. The Potter's House, Dallas, TX – T.D. Jakes (17,000)
Here's the top 10 out of 100...
1. Lakewood Church, Houston, TX – Joel Osteen (47,000)
2. Willow Creek Com. Church, South Barrington, IL – Bill Hybels (23,500)
3. Second Baptist Church, Houston, TX – Ed Young Sr. (23,198)
4. Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, CA – Rick Warren (22,000)
5. LifeChurch.tv, Edmond, OK – Craig Groeschel (19,907)
6. Southeast Christian Church, Louisville, KY – Dave Stone (18,013)
7. North Point Church, Alpharetta, GA – Andy Stanley (17,700)
8. Thomas Road Baptist Church, Lynchburg, VA – Jonathan Falwell (17.445)
9. Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale, FL – Bob Coy (17,000)
10. The Potter's House, Dallas, TX – T.D. Jakes (17,000)
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Did you ever get a cool email and was such a ego stroke or self-esteem booster that you wanted to post it for the world to read? What is that inside of you that wants to let the world know? I got one of those a couple of days ago from my boss/friend, but I'll soemhow refrain from posting.
Wasn't Board at the Board Meeting
Just came off two days with the Board of Directors at Youth Leader's Coach...
1. I think we scored a win with the board notebook. After nearly killing ourselves and having to come up with a few creative solutions, Missy and I knocked out the 178 page full color notebook. I know know Adobe Indesign far more than I want to. I also don't want to proofread anything for a realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly long time. I have one question though, why is it anytime you have a big project with a deadline the copier decides to die? Are there copier demons? If there are, why are they following me ... do I have some unrepented sin (j/k)?
2. When I hear board meeting I usually think "boring," but not Jeanne's. Her's include videos, field trips, a casket (yep), firemen helmets, people telling their stories and a whole lot more.
3. She's got some heavy heavy hitters who also work with the Dream Center in LA. They took Jordan, Laurie and I out to dinner last night. I loved hearing their stories where they've seen God show up in some pretty big ways. I also love the fact that they are big time into investments. People like me, with accounting backgrounds, dig those stories too.
4. My boss is insane. She went from the two day board meeting, to marathon building and insurance meetings today, to writing an article, to back to back speaking engagements in Texas and Georgia this weekend. I'm pretty excited about hitting the second half of the weekend with her in Georgia. I'll be hanging out with some of my favorite Cadre peeps.
1. I think we scored a win with the board notebook. After nearly killing ourselves and having to come up with a few creative solutions, Missy and I knocked out the 178 page full color notebook. I know know Adobe Indesign far more than I want to. I also don't want to proofread anything for a realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly long time. I have one question though, why is it anytime you have a big project with a deadline the copier decides to die? Are there copier demons? If there are, why are they following me ... do I have some unrepented sin (j/k)?
2. When I hear board meeting I usually think "boring," but not Jeanne's. Her's include videos, field trips, a casket (yep), firemen helmets, people telling their stories and a whole lot more.
3. She's got some heavy heavy hitters who also work with the Dream Center in LA. They took Jordan, Laurie and I out to dinner last night. I loved hearing their stories where they've seen God show up in some pretty big ways. I also love the fact that they are big time into investments. People like me, with accounting backgrounds, dig those stories too.
4. My boss is insane. She went from the two day board meeting, to marathon building and insurance meetings today, to writing an article, to back to back speaking engagements in Texas and Georgia this weekend. I'm pretty excited about hitting the second half of the weekend with her in Georgia. I'll be hanging out with some of my favorite Cadre peeps.
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