Intentionality, accountability, and Teach-ability

Intentionality, accountability, and teach-ability are three things that have been on my mind for the past few weeks.

Do you go through life feeling like God's not showing you a whole lot....but you are doing your best to stay faithful? Well that's where I've been for a while. But within the last few weeks that has changed. Life hasn't been smooth sailing but it's been good because I know that God is in it. And He will be with me through it too.

I've realized being intentional doesn't mean convenient...that's why you have to be intentional (I know that sounds basic). We have to be intentional in decisions we make, who we hang out with, the things we take stands on....I've always said what you really believe is what you do when the rubber hits the road. We can talk all we want about what we believe but that is proved when we are put in a situation that makes us act upon it.

Accountability....I've always known it's important but haven't taken the steps to seek that out. I can honestly say that's not true anymore. I've sought out some ladies that I respect and have opened up to them, knowing that being honest and vulnerable will only be a help to me. But I must also remember who I use as my accountability partners. I must seek out those who are living a life of seeking God and loving Him. I read a pamphlet by Nancy Leigh DeMoss and it challenged me to find accountability and share with them when being tempted not just when I'm in trouble.....so it's been a neat time and a good source of fellowship.

And last but not least teach-ability. Keeping a teachable spirit is so important. God teaches us through life circumstances and he also uses people to help teach us. Whether we really learn what He's trying to show us is up to us. I'm seeing how important my attitude is in my spiritual growth. I must be humble and acknowledge my short comings and move on to changing. I want to keep a teachable spirit and if I don't have one I know I need to take some time and get to the place where I will be teachable.

I just wanted to share with you a little of what God's been doing in my life. I hope you are at a spot where you are being teachable. If not take some time to search your heart and get to a place where you can be teachable.

Serving Him!
Shawntay

Farmington, New Mexico...how I didn't know what to expect. I didn't realize how beautiful the drive here would be. When we reached the north side of Albuquerque we started to see lots and lots of rock formations, cliffs, canyons. Oh it was so beautiful and breath taking. It was a very long travel day for us. We left early in the morning and then broke down about 60 or so miles away from Roswell, New Mexico. We got delayed at a gas station for over an hour. While sitting on the bus I just knew that the church in Farmington was going to be a good time of meeting...seeking the Lord. Satan was already trying to trip us up and discourage us. (This is the 2nd travel day in a row that something happened with our vehicles....the travel day before coming here the bus blew a tire 30 minutes away from the church)

Now I am able to look back on all what has happened. It's pretty neat. Evan, Josh, and I taught in Base Camp (2nd grade to 5th grade) and Brennan went to Happy Heart City (4 yrs to 1st grade) so that Ross could sit through the messages and be challenged by God's Word. It was a great time for Evan, Josh, and I to work together. This is Evan and I's 2nd year to be teaching together and Josh's first year. Next year just Josh and I will be returning to work in Base Camp. We've got a lot of preparation to do in order to get ready to train one or 2 more people.

Right out of the gate Sunday morning was good for us. By the end of the morning service we knew most all the kids names....granted we had less than 30 all week....we usually can't memorize all the kids' names. We were able to connect with the kids and get to know them. We taught lessons on Obedience, God's Word, Salvation, Sin and Holiness, Grace, Pride and Humility, Lies and Honesty, Integrity, keeping our lives PURE, having a Clear Conscience, and Prayer. This week sure did go by fast and I wish we were staying longer.

Of course we may not see all the changes but some of the kids shared what they learned. My favorite was the honesty of Jack. During our prayer time when all the kids could pray out loud together He prayed and thanked God for his parents forcing him to go to Base Camp. He thought it was going to be stupid there but said he was glad he had to come because he learned a lot of things. Another change that I saw was between to brothers....they were twins. After the morning's session of Clear Conscience I believe they must have talked about something because they were different when they came back that evening. It was like their relationship as brothers got better. I saw the change in them even when they didn't say a word about it. And then there is a little girl with an adopted brother....she has a desire to do what's right but she needs God's help to help her through.

As for the main services....I have no clue what happened there :) Lol. I guess that's life as a Children's Minister. But I love what I do. I pray these kids find their strength in God and God alone.

Serving HIM and LOVIN' IT!
Shawntay

PS I just put up pictures on Facebook...if you don't have facebook use this link

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150555502169751.383466.517659750&type=3&l=ebd01d9e13