It's all about Shortcake: My little ones

So I realized today as I was eating lunch with seven of my eight 7th grade girls that I haven't even written about them on here. So some of you would say that about two years ago this February I lost my mind because I realized that I was suppose to volunteer for a junior or high school ministry once again. I originally started just going on Sunday morning and helping out with a couple of friends groups at big events but nothing more. Well by the summer of 2007 I realized that God had not only called me to serve once again but also to lead a group of girls - this was a challenge I wasn't sure I was up for again so soon. After praying and talking with several good friends I decided it was best to just follow where God was leading me. So September of 2007 I partnered up with my co-leader Stacy (who at the time I didn't know, but she is probably the best co-leader one could ask for) and into our lives walked four Highland Park 6th grade girls.

I knew immediately that I was in fact suppose to lead these girls for the next seven years until they graduated high school, God willing of course, but I also knew that these girls were going to keep Stacy and I on our toes and challenge us to live a life completely above reproach at all times. (I know as Christians we are called to live above reproach at all times, but it is especially true when you are leading others.) By the end of 6th grade we had grown from four girls to nine girls.

It is hard to believe that Stacy and I have been leading these girls for a year and half now. It has been so much fun to watch them grow up, come to have their own personal relationship with the Lord - not just their parents, to watch them become friends with each other, to watch them be leaders in their schools, and to just watch them enjoy life every single day. Seventh grade has been a crazy year and at times trying year already, but it has been amazing at the same time. I am so thankful every single day for these girls and the opportunity to lead, encourage, and learn from them. I know I will write more about them in future post as they are such a big part of my life, but I just wanted to introduce you to my little ones.