Life of a youth pastor .

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Don’t miss it, I’m moving!

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Website-Moving

As stated last week, I am moving my website… not necessarily the domain. You can still find me at www.lifeofayouthpastor.com but I will have a new look and feel. The past few weeks have been full of editing, cropping, learning CSS coding, etc. Everything will be transferred over tonight and you will see a new blog layout tomorrow. For all you WordPress followers, I encourage you to keep up by subscribing via email. I’m very excited about my new layout and the time myself and friends have put into this to make it even more user friendly. I hope you enjoy!

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Unpacking.

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It has been a busy week with no rest. From Chicago to Austin, stopping in Branson, MO doing a pre-trip for Gateway – driving a Uhaul with car in tow through the Ozarks, a 400 mile motorcycle tour through the hill country of central Texas and now a casita (small house) full of boxes staring at me. I have been busy is an understatement – but I love it! In my next few posts I’ll unroll my adventures for you that took place this past week.

A few quick lessons learned.

  • Never underestimate how much you own when moving, you have a ton…it’s a great time to craigslist and goodwill the stuff you don’t use or never knew you had.
  • Always check your car owners manual before towing it, you might need a specific trailer.
  • When renting motorcycles keep up to date with the weather…make wise choices.
  • Call on your friends and family for help when you need it, don’t be a macho man.
  • Labeling boxes specifically for rooms and the items the box contains SAVES TIME. Thanks Calla, I love you for helping keep our life organized!

Security Deposit!

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My wife Calla and I were scrambling to get everything out of our rental house so our landlord could do a walk through. It’s been a good little house, we will miss it. After getting the last box out on the sidewalk the landlord pulled into our drive.

Now, you must understand that we have really done them a favor by turning the Est. 1920 house into a 21st century home with some fresh paint, new counters for the kitchen, my father-in-law Kevin and I gutted and put up new drywall the bathroom…..the list really does go on and on, I like to leave things better than when I found them.

As I was talking with the landlord the previous week, I did bring up that we would hope to get the security deposit back from her after the walk through. We expected the security deposit after the walk through, and the landlord asks, “How much were you expecting to get back?” I followed up by responding with the amount that we pay monthly for rent, I knew that was what I put down for a security deposit. She answered back, “I looked back at my records, you paid last months rent up front as well, here is a check for double that amount!”

Honesty is priceless. She could have scammed us, but didn’t. She could have lied and kept a lot of money for herself, but didn’t. I know honesty between family, friends, and peers can be devastating sometimes – but the opposite is true, you can truly bless someone with your honesty. How could you be honest with someone today? Make their day and bless them with honesty.

Lessons learned…

  • Do a better job recording and documenting purchases (I like taking pictures of receipts with my phone and emailing them to myself) what do you do?
  • Honesty is the best policy…lame I know, but so true.

If you do the right thing, honesty will be your guide. But if you are crooked, you will be trapped by your own dishonesty. Proverbs 11:3

We just put down another security deposit on a little place in Texas (yes, I have made a copy of the lease and what we have paid)…it’s a guest house on someone’s land. There are longhorns walking around! No joke.

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We’re moving…

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We’re moving to Texas! The word is out officially among both our current and future church homes…the transition days are very bittersweet, it continues to be an emotional rollercoaster. We are sad to move away from Wheaton Bible Church, our friends in the Chicagoland area, and the many memories and ministry experiences that God has created here over the past 6 years. While it is hard to say goodbyes, we are thoroughly excited and welcome the opportunity at Gateway Church in Austin, Texas! I have accepted the position of Student Pastor overseeing the middle school and high school ministry.

After a long interview process, much prayer, seeking wisdom from mentors, family and friends we are confident that God indeed has blessed mine and Calla’s calling to Austin. We are both looking forward to see how God will use us in this next chapter of life together.

Your prayers are appreciated during our transition in the weeks ahead!