Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Exciting but scary

Since October I've been on a new eating plan which I LOVE!!! I eat more now than ever (and I've dropped a few pounds). I can still go out to eat and eat some of my favorite foods. I have thoroughly enjoyed trying new recipes and taking recipes that I love and making a tasty but healthier version of it. And if you know me, it has to taste good or else I won't eat it!

With that being said I ripped apart my closet and drawers today. I tried on all my clothes. I have a few piles that are ready to be dropped off to Plato's Closet so that I can get a few bucks and shop for new clothes.

I am so thankful and excited for the new look, feeling, and changes...and of course to shop! Yet, at the same time it's a little scary getting rid of so many clothes, clothes that have memories, years of my life attached to them. Oy! There is also that fear of going back to the "old" look. I will just continue to keep on doing what I'm doing and continue to have fun with food!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Conspire

I had the amazing privilege to attend the Conspire Conference. It is a children's conference that attracts people from all around the world to unite, connect, and inspire.

I encourage and challenge you to check out http://www.willowcreek.com/conspireconference/ which is the website and you can find live blogging that is going on during and after sessions and breakouts.

One of the speakers I heard today was Larry Shallenberger. He spoke on the area of volunteers in your children's ministry. Here are his 3 main points that I found intriguing.

1. We need to change who we are recruiting.

Application: Instead of going after "moms" we need to recruit retiring boomers and Generation Y people.

2. Volunteers are facing overwhelming economic pressure.

Application: Help them overcome this hopelessness by providing purpose in influencing children's lives. Provide opportunities for people to donate their skills instead of money.

3. There is no universal platform for communication with volunteers.

Application: Know the best way to communicate effectively with each of your volunteers, is it a text message? an email? a phone call? a facebook message?

I love when you are stretched and challenged to think creatively and differently to improve your children's ministry!