asc 2012: thurs-sat

Thursday and Friday mornings Tim Keller spoke. Thursday evening Francis Chan spoke. Talk about complete opposites! Tim Keller's wife met Jesus through YL. They helped start YL in the community of the first church he pastored. And they drove their boys to Connecticut to YL when they were in high school when there was no YL in NYC where they are currently. It was so sweet listening to Tim's wife tell her/their story of their involvement with Young Life. He's officially my favorite. I loved, loved, loved listening to him. I've seen Francis Chan speak several times (not in person) and he's always a little overwhelming. His presentation was officially overwhelming in person. Although I had some great take-aways from what he talked about. Talk about complete and polar opposites in the world of speaking. But I was blessed to hear them both

Friday we had "Park Day." We hit up Universal Studios and Island's of Adventures with the Ward's, Wilson's, Allevato's and Wilkes'. It was the only cool, rainy day we had. It ended up being fine b/c it kept the crowds away. Multiple times we walked right onto roller coasters - twice in a row!

 In the Harry Potter Village. Pretty darn awesome.

Bethany was in heaven.

Having some Butter Beer (think frozen/liquid butterscotch - gross!) after
the Harry Potter ride to clear the cobwebs. That ride made everyone sick

Had to get a picture with Diego for the kids.

We had never been to the Universal Studio's Park. It was pretty impressive.
Most of the park looked like scenery. I love that kind of stuff.

Ben being eaten by Jaws

In honor of Derek, we hit up Margaritaville for dinner. Then we went to a dueling piano place after. Those places always are impressive and very fun. Always way more fun with lots of friends.

Saturday, they have out about 100 new ipad 2's.
Our very own John Allevato won one.

An average day at the pool looked like this. Lots of chairs pointed towards the
sun and the ability to rotate through the crowd and visit with everyone!

Saturday evening we had a nice dinner with our division. Always fun to get dressed up.

The Mountaineer Area Staff:

Ben & Laura

Gina & Nathaniel Lutyens (Harrison County)

Cameron & Sarah King (YL College)

The Tuel's & The Berg's

Ben, Drew Holcomb & PW Gopal
Some of Ben's favorite muscian's

Bethany, Laura, Brooke & Amy

I enjoyed these ladies (and others) so much!

So these are some of my thoughts from the week (significant and not):

- We have celebrated and had fun as a staff. This was much less "conferencey" and a lot of fun.

- Young Life is beginning to understand and foster the importance of family and marriage. The video thanking staff spouses may have been my biggest blessing of the week. And I'm thankful for the seminar on parenting in ministry. This will help with the longevity of staff.

- It was wonderful hang out time with friends. The Wards, Allevatos, Johnstons, Wilkes, Bergs, Siszecks, Lutyens, Kings, Budas, Wilsons, Amy, and Lutows. So thankful. So thankful. Pool. Universal. Sea World. Meals. Jelly Rolls. Sessions. 

- The weather was absolute perfection. That definitely contributes to fun in Florida.

- I feel connected with and appreciated by Ben. I want to learn how to foster that better at home. My other really significant moment was the 2 hours Ben and I spent talking the night before we left about how to be better connected and how I can have more of a role in ministry. We have not overlapped much in ministry the past 6 years. And we want to. The miracle of this whole thing is that it was midnight to 2 am. Pretty impressive b/c I'm pretty much narcoleptic after 9pm!

- I want to raise up the next generation (especially my children) that can and will stand on the Word of God and love Jesus more than anything. (Francis Chan)

- The gospel needs to change me first. And always be changing me. (Tim Keller)

- What am I reproducing as I disciple my children and other women? (Francis Chan)

- I need to repent of my righteousness. The gospel should humble me greatly. (Tim Keller)

- I love God moments. (Meeting staff that is the brother of a cousin-in-law who did ministry with our friends internationally!)

- YL people are special and I'm thankful to be part of it.

- God has given us so much and I want to give generously.

- I love the sun and I love being outside. I WILL snowbird someday.

- I got so many comments on my hair from people that only see me in the summer. I surmised that I must look like crap whenever they see me!

- I love my husband and I love his heart for Jesus.

- This week was not all about numbers, growth and ministry. It was about laughter, love, celebrating, surprise, relaxation and personal growth.

- Last but certainly not least, we came home to pleasant, happy, non-whiny children. Usually there is some reprogramming that has to happen. Not one ounce. I'm pretty sure they're in a better spot than when we left them. THANK YOU, Doh, John Pap, Gary Pap and Grandma! Thank you!

asc 2012: mon-wed

Ben and I left Morgantown Sunday night after leadership. Our flight was early enough Monday morning that it would've been crazy for us to get up and out in the middle of getting ready for school. So we went to John & Shawna's. I started feeling gross at eadership and by the time I got to Shawn's I was straight up sick with what I believe was a nasty case of food poisoning! I wasn't sure whether I could get on a plane or not. But I decided that I would much rather be sick in sunny Florida than in rainy Pittsburgh. I felt pretty yucky the first two days, but pushed through it.

 Ben's YL College pre-conference started Monday evening. I had dinner with Sarah King (her husband Cameron was with Ben) at the Italian restaurant at the hotel. We explored a little bit and then I layed in my bed, with the balcony door wide open and finished a book. Glorious!

Tuesday morning I got up for a walk and quiet time by the pool, but found friends instead. Koila and Elizabeth had already chosen their seats for the day. Brooke and Cat joined us later. As I spent the afternoon dozing by the pool (while Ben was learning more about YL College), I loved listening to all the reunions, hugs and laughter taking place around me as people arrived. Tuesday was the travel day for everyone not attending pre-conference. It's amazing how fast people can get their suitcases to their room, registered and hit the pool. These are people that we work hard with and beside, but rarely get to play together. Yes, we spend months of our summers living in the same house, but it's hard, hard work. And you put a bunch of leaders together with no responsibility when that's usually all they know, and it's straight up a good time.

Cameron, Sarah, Ben and I went to Downtown Disney to stroll, eat dinner and some Ghiradelli ice cream! We hit up the Lego store. Always amazing. And we took lots of pictures with us with characters our kids would love.

Lego Buzz & Woddy

Lego Snow White & Dopey. The kids watched this for the first time last week.

Sophie calles Dopey, Dupey!

Lego Woody

Lego Dragon a& Knight

Sleeping Beauty

Mr. Potato Head

Day 1 of the actual ASC was amazing. We had a morning session and prayer time, after which we (well, actually Shawna and Bethany) sprinted to the pool to stake out a good spot. It felt like the kids at camp running from lunch to the zipline or tubing! Our evening session lasted about 5 minutes . . . Because they surprised us by busing all 4,000 of us to Sea World which they had rented just for us! Along with great new jackets.

On the bus, planning which coasters to ride first

Several different eateries around the parks set up buffets with all we could eat

We had our evening session in the amphitheatre

Which included great program (as always).

Pete & Susan doing the "Funny Before The Funny"

(They is taken from a screen, that's why it's blurry)

We had music by the Cash Family Band

  

And a visit from and stand up routine by Jeff Foxworthy. I laughed till I cried. 

And then he made us cry with the story of a YL kid that he's befriended who

was shot in a hunting accident. Unbelievable. Four years ago, Jeff let his wife

do all the spiritual talking. This year, he brought it himself.

 

And fireworks - they were amazing!

Then all 4,000 of us watched Shamu

Ben had the bright idea of sitting in the front row. One splash later we were gone!

Posing with the flamingos that you can't see.

Sea World has an amazing roller coaster there - Manta. We rode a couple of other rides and caught the LAST bus back. We can still hang! Which was questionable when we arrived with the above pictured people on the bus. Thankfully, we found some friends closer to our age (and speed) and never looked back.

It was like a night at camp. Surprise. Laughter. Feeling incredibly loved and appreciated. Seriously, 4,000 people in matching jackets, loving life and just happy to be there. Quite a sight!

young life celebration 2012 - the history

 Ben and I just got back from a most wonderful week in Florida. Every 4 years, Young Life has an All Staff Conference in Orlando. Great speakers, lots of fun and laughter, great surprises, theme parks and Florida in January! This year, the name was changed from "conference" to "celebration" as Young Life is celebrating 70 years of reaching kids for Jesus. There were many times throughout the week that I felt like a first time kid at camp. Wowed, surprised, laughing till our sides hurt, moved to tears, feeling loved and cared for, and being with friends that we love so dearly. It was a little slice of heaven.

This was our 4th ASC. Honestly, I don't remember tons about all of them. Probably b/c I have about 4 pictures total from the previous 3.

The first one we went to was in 2000. I kind of crashed it as we weren't married yet. I stayed one night with the Teodoro's and one night with the Santen's at the Conference. They were very generous. I wouldn't be. Then two nights with my old YL leaders family who had moved to the Orlando Area. I hit the theme parks with everyone and was able to attend a session or two. Everyone stayed at the Disney hotels near the Disney Boardwalk that year - the Swan, the Dolphin, etc.

Park Day with Jay & Rachel Mitlo, Andy Deiffenbach and Jay & Amanda Teodoro

In 2004, we accidentally took someone's luggage to the airport and it cost us $40 to send it back in a cab. We previewed the movie "The Passion of the Christ" before it was in theaters and heard from Jim Cavezel. This was the first one we had at the Marriott World Center - NICE! I think it was a little cooler that year. That information is strictly based on the pictures I found.

 Park Day (obviously Epcot) with Jay & Amanda Teodoro and Scott & Susie Berg.

The too full trunk that we later realized was b/c we took an extra

suitcase (none of ours)to the airport. That put a damper on some spirits!

I was pregnant with Sophie in 2008. I was trying to ween myself off anti-nausea meds at the time and it wasn't going well. My thoughts revolved mainly around where and when the next meal was and that I just wanted to take a nap - all the time! I was not fun that year. At all. Hence, not a picture to be found. I remember hearing several speakers that year that's we'd heard at the Willow Creek Summit a year or two before. It was an encouraging time, full of surprises like Jeff Foxworthy and Jack Hanna.

This year took the cake for me. 4000 Young Life people. The weather was 80 degrees and beautiful every day except one. I was happy and thankful to be there. We went two days early for a YL College pre-conference and I was bound and determined to take advantage of every single second.

Our beautiful room

The view from our room. My favorite thing was sleeping with the
balcony door open and listening to the waterfall at the pool.

Days like this everyday

The pool in January. Seriously, the older generation has it right.
I WILL be a snowbird one day.

Have I made you jealous yet? More to come . . . . I'm currently FREEZING!

sacrifice & guilt

So, I've been reading this book for awhile with some friends.

Very, very excellent book! And I'll be honest and say that I RARELY read non-fiction. I pretty much only read non-fiction that involves marriage or parenting. This book is super engaging, easy to read, and full of great stuff. Read it. 

The most significant thing so far to me has been the weirdest topic. Mr. Keller (do I call him Tim, Timothy, Keller - I don't know!) talked about the sacrifice Jesus made for us. And he used the example of parenting. I can't stop thinking about it. Maybe b/c the sacrifice of parenting is something I struggle and wrestle with regularly. I read it about two weeks ago and am still tossing it around. . .

"Or think of an even more dramatic example - parenting. When you have children, they're in a state of dependency. They have so many needs; they can't stand on their own. And they will not just grow out of their dependency automatically. The only way that your children will grow beyond their dependency into self-sufficient adults is for you to essentially abandon your own independence for twenty years or so. When they are young, for example, you've got to read to them and read to them - otherwise they won't develop intellectually. Lots of their books will be boring to you. And you have to listen to your children, and keep listening as they say all kinds of things that make for less that scintillating converstation.
      And then there's dressing, bathing, feeding and teaching them to do these things for themselves. Furthermore, children need about five affirmations for every criticism they hear from you. Unless you sacrifice much of your freedom and a good bit of your time, your children will not grow up healthy and equipped to function. Unfortunately, there are plenty of parents who just won't do it. They won't disrupt their lives that much; they won't pour themselves into their children. They won't make the sacrifice. And their kids grow up physically, but they're still children emotionally - needy, vulnerable, and dependent. Think about it this way: You can make the sacrifice, or they're going to to make the sacrifice. It's them or you. Either you suffer temporarily and in a redemptive way, or they're going to suffer tragically, in a wasteful and destructive way. It's at least partly up to you."

- The King's Cross by Timothy Keller (pages 142-143)

It's just something I've been mulling over. I believe there's a fine line of sacrificing your marriage, your ministry and your friendships for your children that is unhealthy. But I believe this perspective is coming from the other end of the spectrum. For what it's worth. Sacrifice.

The other thing in my life right now is GUILT! I hate it. And my guilt regularly revolves around Ted. Basically for working so much up until the time he started going to school regularly. And about his hair!

Seriously, the hair on the huge spots on the back of his head is not growing back well. He lost two spots b/c of glue from the EEG. Although there's a spot on the top of his head that's from surgery where they held his head down that also isn't growing back. Which makes me think it's something different. So, I'm currently feeling guilty over not holding him down after surgery and peeling the glue off a fresh craniotomy. Really? I can't believe it, but I do.

I'm checking with his doctors to see what they think. Whether we should do something or see what happens or there's nothing we can do or if it's a side effect of his medicine or something else. I feel like I might have been negligent in not doing something before this. I know there are bigger things in the world, but I'm praying for his hair to grow back.

So, there you have it. Sacrifice and guilt.

full

The past week has been so FULL. Not necessarily busy, just full of people. And I LOVE it. It fills me up so much. 

Wednesday, Shawna came to Morgantown from Pittsburgh and Jaclyn visited all the way from Georgia. Actually, her husband is in Ranger School and she's spent an extended time in WV after the holidays. We had lunch together at Black Bear and talked at my house while Sophie napped. I am blessed beyond belief to hear them talk about following hard after Jesus, learning and growing in their marriages, serving in Young Life and their churches, and living life hard in school and work. We spent an hour and a half at Black Bear for lunch and Soph was a total champ. She will definitely be invited back to girls' lunches.

Aren't they all beautiful?

Sophie took this picture. She always makes us laugh when she uses the camera.

John spent the afternoon with Ben. Ted got to shoot some hoops
with him after school at Ben's office.

Earlier in the week we had attended Sid Murphy's funeral. His son, Ryan (in the red shirt below) was one of Ben's UHS Young Life guys when he was in college. To say that everyone loves Murph is an understatement. As I sat at the funeral and looked at the people there, I was reminded of one of my favorite things about the Lord: the way He intertwines people's lives. The way we weave in and out of people's lives and some stay for a long, long time. The wide variety of people there, yet the connection everyone shares floors me everytime. 

All the men and their wives got together Thursday night for a bit.
We just snapped a picture of the men.
Dirk, Trey, Curtis, Randon & Tim
Ben & Ryan

 Friday evening these lovely women stopped by Morgantown on their way from Charleston to a MOPS planning weekend. I met them at Cheddar's for dinner and had a great time. Love these ladies!

BJ, Angela & Laura
Katie, Steffanie, Stacy & Lori

Saturday morning I had breakfast with Carrie, Shawna, Lauren and Clare at Cracker Barrell.  We doubled it as a little shower for Carrie. She's adopting her second son from China and is just waiting for the date to be set. My sweet friends even blessed me with some birthday cards and gifts. We had a great breakfast really sharing about what the Lord has been teaching us lately and where we hope this year to go.  It was for sure one of my favorite times with them. (And I totally forgot to take a picture!)

I picked the kids up from the sitter and met Ben at Ted's basketball game. (He had been at a worship meting for church in Fairmont). Ted had a fun game and Sophie was less than happy to be there.
 

Bethany and Josh offered us tickets to WVU basketball game. They had sick kiddos (bummer!) but shared with us. So, on a total whim, we went straight from Ted's basketball game to the men's basketball game. In the middle of naptime none-the-less. They kids had fun and the hotdogs were a definite high point in the afternoon.

Ben was trying to explain the 3 point line to Ted using a diagram on his phone.

Walking back to the car. It was COLD. We ran into Curtis at the game, too!

Our babysitter ended up cancelling b/c she was sick, so Ben and I didn't get to go out to our planned early dinner. Which would've added even more chaos to the day! We had take out chinese (I LOVE chinese food) in the 2 hours we were home. I put Sophie down for an hour nap, and then we went separate directions. The guys (from picture above and then some) went out for wings, and the girls (and kids) got together for some food and good conversation. 

They even got me a cake! How sweet are they?

Laura, Shawna, Clare, Cole, Lindsey & Laura

All in all, it was a fun and busy weekend. Although, I've decided that keeping your kids out too late is equivalent to drinking too much. It's fun that night, but the next morning is brutal!