SO, WHAT'S NEXT FOR ME???

     So, now that you have heard my life story, well actually my last five and a half years, I'm sure many of you might be asking, "So what's next?" There are 3 goals I have set for the future.

1. I WOULD LIKE TO DEVELOP MY OWN MINISTRY!

If you know me well, you know I have a calling on my life to do Children's Ministry. I have been doing it for well over 34 years!! This past year I decided to take a break from it to focus on myself and to heal from many hurts I have encountered. It's the best decision I ever made. In October, I was invited to speak at a local Christian School and it was the first time in 9 months that I actually picked up Grandpa Lou and Shelton the Shark, two of my most popular ventriloquist figures. The day before my speaking engagement, a dear friend of mine asked me to take them to Lighthouse Mission in Bellport, NY so they could get clothing for a relative. When we walked in, Pastor Jim the director gave me a huge hug and introduced me to his staff. He asked me if I would consider doing a kids program on a future Saturday morning and I said "Absolutely!" He told me I was very gifted and a blessing to their mission. After we left the mission, my mind drifted to the many times I ministered at the mission, sometimes alone and sometimes with our Kids in Missions students. Although I seriously did enjoy my break from ministry during this past year, my heart has always been to reach children. That following morning, I spoke at the Emanuel Lutheran School Chapel. I was a little nervous speaking especially since it was something I had not done for quite some time. After doing my introductions, I felt comfortable. It was just like riding a bike! I did Grandpa Lou, Shelton the Shark, some object lessons and some gospel illusions.

     After that chapel, I spent time in prayer asking God if it was His will for me to be back in ministry and around Thanksgiving I felt I got a green light. So, I am happy to announce that I am planning on starting a ministry as a Children's Ministry consultant and a Child Evangelist in 2019. With my many years of experience as a Children's pastor, I would love to help other children's pastors and Children's Ministry  Directors establish a vision, give insight, be an "Aaron" to them as well as an encouragement. I have been in there shoes. I've been discouraged frustrated and have even knocked on the door of burnout. I know I can be a great resource. Second, I would like to travel to churches and do Kids Crusades and Children's programs using my puppets, gospel illusions and games. I am even thinking of developing a Game Show theme for families down the road. I would like to build this slowly, one step at a time and travel on Sundays, my one day off here in NY, NJ, PA and CT. I am asking for prayer warriors who will pray for me. We all know when you step out in faith, the enemy loves to attack. Would you be willing to pray for me? I tried doing this in 2013 but truthfully, I was not ready then. Now, I feel that I am ready to serve! I am excited about this new venture! I will be working on a website, printing business cards and, of course trying to think of  name for it. Stay tuned!

2. Secondly, I would like to use my writing talents for the Lord. My main problem is time! I do have some projects in the works...a children's book and another book. Getting books published is a challenge but I'm up for it. Finding the time to write while working 2 jobs is tough. It is a goal of mine to get my work published.

3. Lastly, without getting into every detail of my complicated life, I would like to see a healing in my family especially with my two oldest children. They are 25 and 24 and I am praying for reconciliation. That's all I will say about it. Please pray for me in this.

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR READING MY BLOGS EVERY WEEK AND FOR YOUR WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT