Plain and Simple

    When I resigned from CWJC in February, I told the Kerrville Daily Times in an interview that I felt like I had finished all that God had for me to do in that ministry. I also likened where I was in life to the military. When you finish a military assignment you have some time of rest and then you get new "marching orders." I have gotten my new duty station and assignment! 

      The short version of this email is that I have been working very hard at my new job. I love it and feel it is an answer to many prayers many have prayed for our community. I just get to be a part of the pie. The past two weeks at YouthBuild, the program that I am involved in with BCFS Human Services. BCFS employees over 800 people world wide so I am quickly learning about corporate America. I  have spent  a lot of my time making connections to let the public know who YouthBuild is are recruiting candidates.
    In my spare time I have been learning so many new things from new computer programs, new phone system, how the programs works and my role. There were several long nights this past week but hopefully it will get easier and the hours won't be so long. The other night I had a conversation with a friend and stated that my brain was tired! It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks!
     I am excited about how this program will help young people ages 16-24 get their education, learn the construction trade, give back to our community as well as many other things. There are 270 YouthBuilds  currently.  Play the video below to see what it is about.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c52hHMHsOG

My job is to oversee our 40 participants  education working with Hill Country High School,  our GED teacher, Alamo Community College, and the 5 members of our team. I will  teach life skills, resume preparation, job skills, work ethic and character. I will also help our trainees find employment after they graduate in 9 months.
     I have really enjoyed getting to know my team. They are a wonderful group and I am honored to work with such a great group. We are preparing for our community orientation, our trainee orientation, and our fall program. Lots of things to think about and plan! All on my team are in their 30's and 40's and move at a fast pace. I move fast too but somehow I feel like the senior member of the team and am simply trying to keep up.

     Some of you have asked about Lin, my friend in California. We continue to communicate but have decided that our relationship will only be a friendship. I am thankful for the gift of his friendship but am at peace with it only being a friendship. I have learned that I have to follow only where peace leads me.

     God continues shaping me in this season of my life. At the end of each day, I reflect on how he has blessed me that day. It is amazing to put it on paper. This has been a desert season for me but I have found a stream. I am learning obedience, gentleness, and more about my identity and being the beloved of God. I am also learning to have more faith in the love of God. Love never fails. Jesus requires nothing of us...He just loves us. He endured a lot but He just kept loving. He is our example.

     I have recently produced two new CDs from my recent speaking engagements on two new topics.  "The Good News About Grief" and "The Power of Gentleness." If you are interested in purchasing them contact me via email with your name and address and I will mail them to you. They sell for $4.00 which includes shipping and handling.

     Life isn't about me...it is about Him and His Kingdom. The great news is that I get to walk with Him. It is a wonderful life!

Kathleen