SYC, I Love Thee

Clicking my heels... There is no place like home. There is no place like home. No one can love you like your home-team, your family and your friends :) No one can hurt you like your home-team :(

In August of 2008 I moved from Gainesville back home to South Florida to start a Masters program at Florida International University, or so I thought. God is so amazing! His ways are so beyond ours. Four years later I can say without a doubt that I moved back to South Florida to serve the youth at my home church.

Oh Sinai SDA Church, the church that I grew up in, the church where both my  mother and father served, and the church where I have made lifelong friendships that have become family members. I have held down this position for three years, prior to that I was the Sabbath school director (Sunday school for the Sunday folks). If I am the woman I am today it's because of God, The Late Mona B. Denis, and Sinai SDA Church. I can truly say that I was introduced to leadership at Sinai. As a teen I was a Sabbath School Teacher, Unit Leader, and Youth Department Secretary.  I mastered Public Speaking at Sinai and if I am a lead Singer today it's all because of the group Faith, BOL! I truly believe that to whom much is given much is required. I was given much so in return I SERVE. Allow me to be 100% honest: I never wanted or intended to come back to Fort Lauderdale and I still question whether moving back was a step in the right direction or a huge step back. Only God knows and time reveals all.

When I moved backed home I kept feeling the urge to help and take on some sort of leadership position. Just wanted to share my insight, my successes, failures, experience with those younger than me. Truthfully, I wish I was better prepared for life when I left for college. I was a little naive and as an adult I became determined that the youth of Sinai would be better prepared for life both spiritually and mentally then I was. Three years later I can only pray that hope that we can say we have done so. This is my final month as youth director and it's bittersweet. Bittersweet because it's an abusive relationship. You love it and hate it at the same time.


I love, Love, LOVE the youth at Sinai. They give me life. They are some of the most talented, creative, funny, intelligent you will ever meet. Working with young people is a character building experience.  I have laughed, smiled, cried, yelled, screamed, and even had emotional breakdowns over SYC. The same young person you will drive across town to give a ride to is the same one who will curse you out. Whatever they asked you to do, it's done. But you can't dare ask them to do anything for them. SMH, FLAW SYC Kids! I love them anyway. The friend that you assume you can count on because they can count on you is no where to be found. You learn to be a little more loving and forgiving, understanding and tolerant, hopeful, and most of all you learn patience. It's purposeful and heart warming work but truthfully it can also be heart breaking.


Few Lessons Learned:

1. Giving your best to God is a must. Not an option. Clearly everyone didn't get the memo. 
2. Real Family/Friends Support your ministry not when it's easy and/or convenient for them but when it matters the most. It's called SACRIFICE. 
3. Don't take it personal. LIES!!! Take it personal, it's always personal.
4. Everyone isn't down for the cause. Move forward anyway. One monkey doesn't stop the show. 
5. Leaders are people too. They have feelings. Consider encouraging people rather than criticizing.  
6. Church Friends are more like Family. Value Them. 

In my heart I pray that I have truly made a difference. I pray that youth have grown closer to God through  the Adventist Youth Society Department. I hope and pray that we have made a difference in the lives of our youth and that they are forever changed through are efforts. I pray that the Youth have felt more loved, accepted, and understood than ever before. I pray that they know that we are in their corners and are cheering them on. I hope that my staff and the rest of the youth leaders will envision the youth of Sinai as their kids and not those Kids. I pray that we will do for them what we would want people to do for us. I pray that we will give our best all the time not part of the time. I pray my staff know that deep down in my heart I love them and appreciate all of their hard work and dedication. I know that I can be a bit difficult, thanks for loving me anyway. I hope and pray that the teens and young adults step up in huge way, all hands on deck. I hope the young adults will mentor the teens and the teens the children. We need you all. It takes everyone. Teen Ministries and Young Adults Ministries I hope you come back to life in 2013, not enough hours in they day. Mercy Lord.

It's been real SYC. Thank you for the great times, you all have made my heart smile. Thank you for the not so great times, they have made me a stronger individual. I cannot continue at the pace that I have been going for the last four years. I have to take some time to focus on me and God. Have to make sure that I know the God that I am working so hard for. I am still here just in a different way. I sincerely hope and pray that there is no love lost, if I have offended anyone, not included someone, said something, and/or omitted something I beg you to forgive me as God has forgiven us. I pray that God continues to do the good work in the lives and ministries of the youth and young adults at Sinai. There is no place like SYC, I truly believe it. He's not done with us yet. The Best is Yet to Come.

Blessings,
Santra D.

PS. Shouts out to my Bestie. Words cannot express how much of a support system you have been to me these past few years. Through it all, good and bad, I am able to count on you. You have gone above and beyond and I am forever grateful for your ministry at Sinai. I know I am hard on you and that I complain way to much but truly i don't think i would have made it thus far without you here. I just want to say thank you for your hard work, encouragement, dedication, and support. I love you, Muah!

Quarter-Life Crisis

So my coworker sent me this article from Essence Magazine... I used to subscribe to Essence until I realized that I am poor and have to come up with a serious retirement plan. Anyway, this article gave me life and I wanted to share it with you, YES YOU! 

Is this you: a twenty-something who feels she should be well on her path to marriage and career and financial security, but instead you feel anxious, disappointed and helpless? Of course this is me, I have been in 7 weddings in the last two years. My professional life is AMAZING, just joking. It's ok, it could be better. Did someone say financial security? I am going back to the original plan (MARRY RICH). Today, I am actually feeling great. But on any given day I can be feeling anxious, disappointed, and/or maybe both. Never really feeling helpless, I love Jesus. 

Welcome to your quarter-life crisis. Oh yeaaaa, quarter life! Everyone who has ever amounted to anything has been there. Just breathe. You will be fine, even if doesn't feel like it today (or tomorrow). Here's some advice from fly women who faltered before they flew to get you through the rough patches with grace.

• Nurture Your Spirit

Learn to meditate or pray. "There is no right or wrong way to pray," says Dee Marshall, a life coach and founder of girlfriendspray.org. "It's more important to simply pray, pray often and pray proactively rather than reactively after life throws you a blow." I must admit, I don't pray enough. I don't make enough time for God. So sad how he has become my backup plan. I rather chill with everyone else than to chill with the one who has always held me down, who gives me peace, who is understanding, sees right through the fascade, and loves me anyway. Game Plan: 

• Ask For Help

Some women think asking for an assist is a sign of weakness. If you're one of those women, abandon that mind-set now. It takes a village to do a lot of things well. Rally the troops to tackle the big assignment at work or to give you a weekend off from motherhood. "The idea that you can give 100 percent in two places at once is a myth," says Thembisa S. Mshaka, an author and married mom of two. "Superwoman may be accomplished, but she's often lonely and exhausted." What happens when you ask for help and don't receive it? What happens when the people closet to you know that you are overwhelmed and chooses not to lend a helping hand. 

• Be Fearless

Just take that first step in the direction of your dreams and things will slowly fall into place," says Claire Sulmers. In 2006 Sulmers, a die-hard fashionista, launched a fashion blog as a hobby. Fashionbombdaily.com is now one of the leading fashion destinations for women of color and has landed Sulmers introductions to her favorite designers and an entrée to fashion shows across the globe. Oh yea of little faith. I have and have been FEARLESS, especially in 2012. There's no stopping me now. 

• Remember Trouble Doesn't Last

During those moments while you're in that deep, dark hole you fell into -- job loss, bank accounts in the red, heartbreak, bad credit, bad decisions -- it won't feel like it can get better, but know that it will. "Don't pray for a miracle, pray for a plan," says publicist Christina Rice. "A plan will ensure your tomorrow will be better than it is today." Singing, "trouble don't last always." I don't understand why sometimes I have selective amnesia. Forgetting that he always takes care of things. It has rained, poured, damned near drowned in flood waters in my life on many occasions, but I'm still standing. 

• Spend Your Time And Money On Experiences, Not Just Things

In ten years you won't remember whatever big-ticket item that's in your closet now, nor are you likely to be wearing it. And what's worse, it probably won't be worth much. If you're going to break the bank, why not take an international trip? "Constant change of pace, new scenery and unpredictable adventures keep me nimble," says marketing maven Johnica Reed, who has visited six continents and racked up countless sky miles. "I see more of myself as I see more of the world." Or you could give to charity. There's a lot of need out there, and though it may sound selfish, studies say being generous can make you feel better. I have never been one to buy many things for me, I am by nature a spoiler of people. I love to make people happy and their happiness becomes my happiness. 

While you may be in your Quarter-Life crisis at this very moment, I urge you to be positive. Things aren't that bad. You will be OK. I've learning to take one day at a time and to make the next day even better than the last. Small Steps are better than not taking any steps at all. If you have a choice between smiling and frowning, choose to smile. Choose to be happy and to dance during the rain/storms in your life. Choose to trust the process. Trust God during the process. Lastly, try to enjoy the process. Quarter Life Crisis not going to get the best of me. 

Signed

-Santra D.

Randomocity

One of my best friends shared this and I thought I would do it as well...

• If I were a gemstone, I'd be a Diamond.
• If I were a scent, I'd be Japanese Cherry Blossom
• If I were a pair of shoes, I'd be Peep-toe Pumps.
• If I were the weather, I'd be a Rainy Day (no lightening or thunderstorms)
• If I were a facial expression, I'd be a Bright Smile
• If I were a car, I'd be a Lexus
• If I were a time of day, I'd be 8pm
• If I were a month, I'd be February
• If I were a place, I'd be  New York City (Big City, Bright Lights)
• If I were a liquid, I'd be Water (everyone needs water to survive)
• If I were a taste, I'd be Sweet and Sour
• If I were a sea animal, I'd be a Dolphin
• If I were a food, I'd be Carbs (Pray for me)
• If I were a color, I'd be Pink
• If I were a musical instrument, I'd be a Saxophone (They're sexy to me)
• If I were a flower, I'd be Orchid
• If I were an object, I'd be a Cup
• If I were a fruit, I'd be a Pineaaple
• If I were a sound, I'd be R & B Music
• If I were a day of the week, I'd be Wednesday
• If I were a nail polish color, I'd be Pastel Pink 
• If I were a bakery treat, I'd be a Guava Pastry (It's the Miami in me)
• If I were a store, I'd be Forever 21
• If I were a season, I'd be Fall/Autumn
• If I were a perfume, I'd be Vera Wang Princess.

Feelings Hurt

It's the ones with the biggest and most giving hearts that seem to always get taken advantage of and mistreated. Thank you Lord for your example, you gave the most because you loved the most and they hated and killed you. Who am I to be hurt and disappointed?

Thank you for the cross Lord, it always helps me put things into perspective.

-Pieces of Me