Ade

[aoadelere]

Staying the Course

Just like when you’re driving and suddenly look away, it can be challenging to stay the course when distractions come your way just like in real life.

Here are three things that help me recenter my focus that I obtained from three sites:

1. Eliminating distractions helps you stay focused on your path or whatever task you are completing at the moment.

2. Journaling, one of my faves, helps you clear your mind as you spue thoughts out on a sheet of paper.

3. Sleep, the most important one in my opinion, because this allows your mind and body to recuperate for the next day to ensure that you can handle whatever task comes your way once you have given yourself the appropriate amount of sleep.

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Finding Your Purpose in Service

First question that might come to mind is “What is my purpose?” Well in the pamphlet “Why Am I Here” by John Ed Mathison, he says, “God created you for a special purpose…it is specific…we must know and PURSUE God’s purpose.” Now, of course we have free will to not go by that notion but it’s still valuable.

Knowing that purpose is something I have to pursue has been a huge game changer for me, it means I get to be an active participant in the way my life is shaped. Several videos on youtube pop up when you search “Finding Your Purpose” but it can get complicated. I find it simpler to stay content with each season of my life and analyze the purpose behind all my acts of service in my pursuit.

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Increasing Mobilization & Engagement

A quick google search will let you know that mobilization is the action of making something movable or capable of movement. In this instance, I wanted to increase that within student ministry through my Seek to Bless the Meek Project like that talked about in my last post.

The Student Mobilization Organization aims to engage, establish and equip students to be spiritual leaders for the rest of their lives as stated on their website. Increasing student engagement allows for students to branch out of their comfort zone and find a sense of belonging as they come to know Christ and serve Him.

There are a few ways to mobilize the youth listed here on Decision Point Church’s website.

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Making an Impact

First let’s define what an impact even is. A quick google search will tell you that an impact, at least within this context is, to have a strong effect on someone or something. There are several ways to make an impact such as donating supplies, feeding someone, or being a mentor just to name a few.

I could go on and on about the huge impact I made in my church but there are a few impacts I want to mention that get overlooked. There’s been times where someone has simply smiled at me on one of my gloomy days and times where my friends check up on me when I really needed some reassurance that everything would be okay. The little things really make big things.

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“Seek to Bless the Meek”

As a member of my school’s BHS Honors Forum I was tasked with the challenge to create a Senior Project that impacts the community. After some good thinking I decided to partner with Northstar Christian Center’s Center of Hope Food Pantry. I got one of our associate pastors on board and he advised me along the way.

The objective for my senior project was to revive student engagement and mobilization within our student ministry by organizing non-perishable food items within the Center of Hope. Students came in with willingness to work which made the service day so enjoyable. I have the rest of the details and behind the scenes of the process on my website Seek to Bless the Meek!

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Experience in Community Service

When I was younger, nearing my tween years, I used to think that community service was just those images I saw of people picking up trash on the side of the road. It was not until I got to high school that I saw how common it is to participate in various types of service projects.

Most clubs and organizations at my high school require students to acquire a certain amount of service hours so through my leverage, I’ve gained much experience in community service opportunities. For instance, in February I participated in my school’s “Bengal Bowl” where I reset game fields before each round. The activity kept me on my toes, literally, as we had to take off our shoes and only wear socks on the field. At least it was indoors in an air conditioned environment. Speaking of inside, there was a time where my teacher gave me service hours for blowing up balloons to use for a trunk or treat during lunch time since she had a class to prepare for next period.

Nowadays it’s really easy to gain experience in community service because many people are in need of having their burdens lifted for free! Here are a few examples to check out!

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Having a Heart of Service

Having a heart of service propels individuals to serve with all their heart. I bet one idea that comes to mind when “service” is brought up is trash pickup like SC’s local Adopt-a-Highway program. Nonetheless, service comes in a variety of forms such as resolving an argument between friends and saying a kind word to uplift someone who may be feeling down as referenced in The Joy of a Servants Heart article.

Speaking from my own experience, a verse from 1 Peter 4:10 says, “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” is one of my driving forces. Holding this attitude in the back of my mind inspires me to serve with all my heart and I’ve grown such a passion for serving ever since I started doing so more frequently.

Check out 101 Creative Community Service Ideas for Kids, Teens, and Adults to get started on your serving journey!