How God has been directing my path this summer

Wow I have been so busy and have not blogged in such a long time. We were so busy in the spring planning for our big fund raising banquet and camp. Both were very successful. Thank you Jesus! We brought in over $20,000 for our banquet. This was the first Camp that Gateway has ever put on, so Chad and I did a lot of work and planning for program. We had 3 leaders that were our go to girls who went all over town to get the supplies we needed. We ran middle school and high school camp the same week on different tracks. Over 30 kids came to know Christ that week. I was home for one day then I left for young lives camp in AZ. For those of you who don't know Young Lives is a ministry for teen moms and their babies. This was definitely an eye opening experience for me. The week was a long hard week emotionally as well as physically. I was on the child care team so basically we watched babies so that the moms could have the best week of their lives and hear about Jesus. We had the babies about 8 hrs. a day and some days even more. My heart was torn in two different directions. The first as a youth worker and the other as a mommy! I wish I could express to you how God intentional this trip was for me. My eyes were opened to so many things. Many of the teen girls were also a product of their moms being teen moms. It's this unbreakable cycle. Why? Because they are 15 yr. old girls who can't get a job and many don't finish high school much less college. They can't get out of their surrounding therefore the feel stuck and they can't seem to change the pattern of their life or their child's life and so the cycle repeats again and again. On the very last night I told my 10 three yr olds good bye and gave them a hug, kiss, and a prayer and fought back tears with each one. I wondered "God, why you placed me in the lives of these children for only one week I don't understand". The next day before we got on the bus to go home we had a say so service so all the child care workers got to go listen and watch as the teen moms one by one stood up and said "I'm giving my life to God" "For myself and my child" I'm changing my path" "I'm choosing to let God change my destiny" Many of the moms of my three yr olds stood up. I love that God directs our paths and I love that He directed me all the way to AZ. to teach me and grow me and start a process in me. I'm thankful that he chose me to play a small part in the lives of these moms and babies for only one week of their lives even though they will never remember me, it was most defiantly the most important week of their lives weather the will ever realize it or not. So I got on the bus for a 3 hr. trip to the air port. I sat down and began to read letters from family and friends back home and as I began to process through my week, missing my kids, and family and friends and ministry. The tears could finally come.

So... I've been in this funky mood for about a month now. I don't usually post unless I have something positive to say. That's kind of my rule of thumb. I can't stand it when people say what ever they want on line regardless of whose feelings they hurt. But seeing how my mood doesn't seem to be changing I just thought I would be transparent. I see that God is always at work around me. LOL I'm so glad that God is consistent. His moods never change towards us. He doesn't get bored or burnt out. He always has patience with us even when we do irritating things. I love the fact that you can't ever fool God! He knows when your putting on a show to impress someone. You can act super spiritual if you want to but your not fooling God. He can see straight through all your crap and he knows the desire of your heart. God, help me not to be so judgemental and easily irritated with someone that you love just as much as me.

A God deed

We were shopping at Lakeline mall and were leaving the food court (us and the boys) and we passed by this man in an electric wheel chair who was leaned over trying to eat his sandwich off the table. So we passed him and rounded the corner and Chad said "did you see that" and I said sort of but I didn't really look at him because I didn't notice the sandwich thing. And chad said he can't reach his food. so we kept on walking then all of the sudden Chad turned around and walked back. Cameron was like "where is dad going?" I said "I think he's going back to check on that guy." So we also turned around to go back but he was way ahead of us so I couldn't see him. When I got there I realized he had gone back to FEED that guy his sandwich. He ask the guy if he needed help and the guy couldn't talk but chad introduced himself and he ask if he could help him with his food. So chad put the sandwich in the guys hand and helped him get started. Chad thinks the guy was saying he dropped it but once it was in his hand he could do it. Me and the boys just stood at a distance and watched. I was very proud of him today. Especially when I asked Cameron "do you think anyone else in the world would do what your dad just did" and Cameron looked at me and said "me". I almost started crying in the freaking food court. Chad is a great father and his boys are learning love and compassion by watching him.
Thanks for reading.......

God, you move me!

I sit down to write this because I wish that I could explain with words what I'm feeling right now. I will not be able to do it justice. Six months ago Chad, Andy, and I set out on a mission to start small groups for the youth (The Uprising). We started with about 5 kids. I remember thinking that we should just play cards because I didn't want to waste a great worship set and lesson on just 5 kids. Andy and Chad just moved forward as if there were 25 kids in the room. The experience was amazing the kids were moved to tears during the worship. Then Chad cast a vision to 5 kids about "the gathering". Those kids cried out to God to move in big ways. The group has grown every week. I am moved to tears EVERY single week. Even as I write this I want to weep. How in the world do I deserve to be a part of this amazing life changing experience. Teenagers are amazing. The are funny, full of energy, creative, sometimes selfish brats who are socially awkward, and even punks at times!
But because they wear their emotions on their sleeves they are raw, authentic, and transparent. So when they let God move in their hearts HE moves in big ways! And it rocks me to the core with a smile on my lips and tears streaming down my face. There's power in passion. 51 people crammed in my house last night for small group LOL yes I said 51 for small group. Chad, Andy and I stood in the corner together at one point looking around at the new faces and I of course fought back tears. My group was amazing, but that's another blog. I do have 3 funny stories to share though. This is why I love teenagers. I usually cook for all these kids, but last night was "pot luck" . I know I know after 14 yrs of student ministry you would think I would have "re named" the theme for the night.(maybe that's why we had 51) haha
So Andy asked one kid if he new what "pot luck" was and he said he googled it. LOL
Andy himself being 23 and single brought a jar of pickles. Another kid brought 6 whoopers (candy) and 3 nutragrain bars. Everyone did a great job though. One kid was going through a lot of stuff and got really emotional in group prayer time so Andy was talking to him in our laundry room. Well, when he came out his face was red and puffy from crying but he came out in style wearing my 6 yr old sons 3D glasses as a disguise. The first words out of his mouth were "Where's my ham? I put my plate down before I went in there" Beautiful! Adults aren't nearly as entertaining. LOL
So, now the house is quiet, all the food is gone, the floor is trashed, and I fell asleep on the sofa, but I can't wait till next week.... because GOD, YOU MOVE ME!!!!

Has it Been that long?

WOW! I can't believe it's been 2 months since I've blogged. Now that I'm on facebook I never blog anymore. It's all about relationships here so that's the best way for me to keep up with people. I've been so busy this fall. The boys are doing well in school. I'm Cooper's room mom so I'm having fun planning the parties. I also help out with the reading groups in Cameron's class. I also teach a moms and tots music class at Gateway on Fridays. What takes the majority of my time is of course The Uprising. The Uprising is our student ministry here at Gateway. I am the small group director for middle school and high school. This should definitely be a paid position because it's a lot of work, but at this point it is not. We have started Soul Revolution and things are in full swing! We had 25 kids show up for small group at my house last night. We split into 2 or 3 groups. It was awesome! I will try to keep up with my blog, but the best way to keep up with me is through facebook. I love it!

Tomorrow is Cameron's 1st day of 1st grade. I have been busy getting things ready. We met his teacher at back to school night. I'm very excited about Cameron going to first grade and I feel great about the school and the teacher. So tonight I packed his lunch and I was writing a note on his napkin and all of the sudden it hit me and I started crying. The boys laughed at me. Cameron ,having the sweet heart that he does, came over to comfort and tease me. He wiped the tears off my face and whispered in my ear,"I hope you don't do this in the morning when you drop me off cause I'll be so embarrassed." So if your reading this say a prayer for me when I drop Cameron off in the morning!

The transition is complete

wow! Is it HOT in Texas! It has been a great summer here in Austin. We are resting up, gearing up and praying up for the exciting things coming up in the fall. Cameron will be in first grade at the local public school. Cooper will be in the 3 yr. old class at a local christian pre school 2 days a week. I really have peace and confidence in our decisions regarding school choices. This will be an important yr. for Cooper to understand some basic biblical principles. While Cameron on the other hand needs a chance to spread his wings and put into practice some things he already knows. I'm really looking forward to many conversations with him this year, and the opportunity to parent him through making good choices, being a good friend, and letting his light shine. Chad is busy leading the Uprising and is doing a great job. We will be adding 2 middle school services Aug. 24th, and completely changing the Wed. night program to an outreach for non believers young life style! Tues nights in Sept we launch our High school small groups (led by student leaders!)This is where the high schoolers can go deeper with God. I'm taking on the role of small group coordinator for ms and hs and I love it. In Sept I will also be starting my preschool music class for moms and tots at Gateway. I'm really looking forward to that. The Swanzy family is doing great. We are spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy! To all of our new friends here at Gateway as well as all of our friends at FRC thank you so much for your prayers, love, and support through out our summer of transition!
I am so grateful to be writing this post as I am reminded "That ALL things work together for good to them who love God and are Called according to HIS purpose."
Peace out!