2015

Another year has drawn to a close and another year is beginning.
2014 was a crazy year, emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. But, there were major milestones and accomplishments that kept me going.

I started my first year of pastoral ministry to several wonderful elementary aged children. Although children's ministry is not my ultimate pastoral goal, adapting to ministering to children, watching them grow, getting to know them as people, inside and outside the church, has just warmed my soul in ways that I have never felt before.

As I continue this role in 2015, I am just anxious to see how they continue to grow, especially now that each of them have their own Bibles to call their own. When I discovered that they didn't have their own Bibles, the Lead Pastor of my church and I decided that they each needed their own.


Although sign language has been minimal in my Kid's Ministry lessons, they have been picking it up quickly and remembering it. Something that also brings a smile to my face.
This Christmas, the kids were a part of our church's annual Christmas Cantata. They sang Happy Birthday to Jesus and they performed parts of the song 'Noel' in American Sign Language. I had hoped to teach them the entire song, but each time they came into the chorus with the rest of the choir, it was really beautiful to watch them step out of their comfort zones to share something they had learned. (I am hoping to teach them another song in sign language to be able to sign with the church's band.)


As 2015 begins, I am struggling with the realization that I probably now have Fibromyalgia. (Although I have not gotten an official diagnosis yet.) Living with severe pain all over my body since the beginning of December has me trying to understand what is going on with my body and how it is going to shape my ministry from here.

2015 will be a year of changes (so was 2014), but I can either look at it and just go back to bed and sleep the year away, or I can accept this as something that I can live with and learn how to redo a few things to be able to still effectively minister to those around me. I am quickly learning that perception is very important (although for me much harder to keep positive, since I also suffer from chronic depression.)

Adjusting to signing thus far has been one of the most frustrating challenges, but I know that in this new reality that God is still by my side, and is bringing me people to come along side me and encourage me.

I pray that as this new year starts for you, that it is filled with hope, love, peace, joy, grace, blessings and adventure.

Much love,
Cody Marie Bolton