Yesterday I went to Guildford, for the Crusaders National Training Tour. It was fantastic. Titled ‘Bringing wholeness to a hurting generation’, it covered theory of adolesence and how they struggle to deal with emotions, and then practical advice for dealing with issues such as anger, self harm and eating disorders.
Not only was the training informative, helping us to understand why adolescents are the way they are, but it was practical, giving me tips and tools to use to help young people to deal with their emotions. It was also suggested that we as youth leaders should tackle these topics in a general session, helping young people to learn quicker than they would by themselves.
If there’s a session near you, then my advice to you is to go!
a great day’s training February 26, 2006
thinking day February 22, 2006
Happy thinking day to all girl guides out there!
I haven’t been a member of the organisation for a few years now, but I still celebrate thinking day!
For those not in the know – thinking day is the day when all members of the guide association around the world think about each other, remembering the connections we have across the world.
The Guide Association does some great work, and I definitely benefited from being a brownie, guide, young leader, and then an adult leader!
map needed! February 22, 2006
Today I’ve begun preparing for the next 11-18s leaders meeting. Last time we met, we came up with a picture of where we want the youth ministry to be, and a picture of where we currently are! When we next meet in a couple of weeks, we’ll be looking at how to get from where we are to where we want to be!
In preparation for this, I’m trying to draw a map of how we get to where we want to be!
I’ve got my bed covered with pieces of flipchart paper with the results of our last meeting, plus other scraps of paper with other notes I’ve made when I’ve been thinking around the whole strategy thing!
I guess I/we won’t find all the answers, but we need to at least decide on some first steps to get us on our way to our dream youth ministry!
re-discovering buses February 21, 2006
As hubby is away this week and has the car, I’ve been rediscovering travelling on London buses. It’s taken me back to my teenage years, when most Saturdays I would get the bus into town to go shopping with friends.
After living up north, the regularity of the buses here has been a blessing. I’ve actually been quite impressed, with buses every 10-15 mins. I can’t believe that it costs £1.50 for a single fare, but I have now ordered an oyster card – much better value, fast becoming a must.
Spending two hours (on a total of 4 buses) each day (which I have been the past few days) has given me plenty of reading time. My first journey, I took books that made me think too much, and I missed having a pen and paper to journal my thoughts in (I think much better with a pen in my hand.) So I’m now taking ipod, and slightly lighter books. The one I read yesterday I’m close to throwing in the bin. I’m only half way through, but I disagree with most of it and the way its written. But I will persevere, mainly because I still hold out hope that something good is to come.
The one negative thing about buses – it is taking me twice as long to do the journey by bus as it would by car
yum yum! February 17, 2006
I’m looking forward to this evening. Hubby and I have postponed our valentines until tonight. We were a bit busy with family on Tuesday, and I wasn’t feeling up to cooking anyway. Tonight we have a menu of tomato soup, creamy chicken gratin, followed by white chocolate and raspberry cheesecake!
Already made the cheesecake this morning, and it looks and tastes (from licking the bowl) lovely! I’ve been looking forward to just chillin with my hubby and treating him (and me) with a special home cooked meal!
He’s away all next week with the Fellowship of Christian Magicians, so I have to make the most of him while I can!!!!!
Enjoy your weekend!
finished! February 16, 2006
I’ve just finished my application for the qualification I want to do!
I’ve done no real work today, but have completed the form, met with my support person, had a dental check up, and now I’m going to do some housework!
Thanks for your comments yesterday – I’m feeling better today. My support person also gave me permission to take the time out I need to sleep and be with God. Not that I officially need permission, but it always helps to have someone tell you its ok to take time out!
today February 15, 2006
tired
broken breadmaker
far too much to do
drinking lucozade
asking what shall i do next
feeling ugghh! February 13, 2006
Not well at the moment. Have absolutely no energy, and am just managing to do work essentials. Had to send hubby to perform to the ladies meeting this afternoon – I was too ill to go and talk about youthwork. Tonight I have a team meeting, and then a day off tomorrow to sleep and visit family.
Am using this time of illness to get stuck into the book Starting Right. Haven’t got very far, but have enjoyed the first chapter or so.
last furnace? February 9, 2006
Furnace is our 6.30am prayer meeting. It started when a small group of young people wanted to get together before school to pray for their friends. They used to meet every Friday morning, pray and then have breakfast before going to school. I inherited this group when I started here in September. Last term numbers averaged at 4, this year they have reduced to 1!
I would love to end the group – I would no longer have to get up at 6am every friday, and it feels as if the group has naturally come to the end.
On the other hand, we have no other prayer meeting and it would be such a shame to lose it. I challenged the young people to think about it. I could have 10 in the morning, but I doubt it.
I wonder about changing the time, there are many options here. But in order for it to work, the young people need to want it. I’m not sure this is the case, but I’m trying to find out.
Will tomorrow be the last 6.30am prayer meeting? Only time will tell.
Update – No-one turned up, I came back home and went back to bed!
calming visit to the midlands February 8, 2006
I’ve just got back from Coventry, having spent the morning looking for youth resources at the Heart of England Christian Resources Exhibition.
Hubby and I drove up yesterday to set up his stand. We then stayed the night at some good friends. We also attended our old house group for the evening. It was a relaxing end to what had been a busy day off for me! There’s something special about friends whom you can just see after months of not seeing them, and just relax, chat and catch up on life.
So now I’m back, checking emails and enjoying having the house to myself for the next two days!
