The pre-CUMC years: It is hard to remember the pre-CUMC years. I started attending this church when I was in 4th grade. I was very active in the youth program. I couldn’t stay away, so I spent my summers in college interning at the church. I would have to say that interning is probably the coolest job around. After graduating college, I worked at Reach Unlimited (a non profit for adults with disabilities) as the Day Habilitation Coordinator. During this time, I was still involved with the youth program as a youth counselor. I felt God calling me into full time youth ministry and I began working here in January 2007.
What I am reading: the Bible. That is my first Sunday School answer for this bio.
Best advice I ever received: My favorite verse is Matthew 5:16. “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise our Heavenly Father.” God calls us to serve others and to put others first. I know at times it can be hard because our society’s mindset is me, me, me, but through our actions, deeds, and words people get a glimpse of God’s love. The ultimate goal is not that WE are praised, but that our Heavenly Father is praised through our actions.
The people in my life: I am blessed to be married to Adam Erwin and have a sweet son, Bryce. My family and friends mean the world to me. My parents, Allen and Debbie, live close by and attend CUMC. They are wonderful parents and the best grandparents to my dogs, Grace and Bella. My younger brother Kevin is attending UTD. He usually spends the summers hanging out with the youth and bumming free lunches off his favorite sister. My older brother Scott and his wife Shannon live in Huntsville with their daughter Emily. I LOVE being an aunt!!
What I love: God (that is my second Sunday School answer for this bio), being outside, shopping, eating out, soccer, golf, sand volleyball (we have an awesome court in the back of the church), reading, movies, hangin with the youth and my fam, mission trips are the highlight of my year, travelling, board games, actually any kind of games but I can be somewhat competitive (I blame that on growing up with two brothers), and of course spending time with my dogs.
What I do for CUMC: Most people seem to think that we in the youth department only work on Sundays. This is false. We are always here. I feel I have the best job in the world because I get the privilege to hang out with the coolest peeps at CUMC!
The college years: My college years started at Southwest Texas State University and by the time I graduated the school had changed to Texas State University San Marcos. I majored in Recreation Administration with a Therapeutic Emphasis (aka Recreation Therapy). What is this you might be wondering? I joke and tell people I majored in games, but it is much more. The official definition is…Therapeutic recreation uses treatment, education and recreation services to help people with illnesses, disabilities and other conditions to develop and use their leisure in ways that enhance their health, functional abilities, independence and quality of life. (NTRS, 2000). My internship was spent at TIRR, The Institute of Rehabilitation and Research, in the medical center. I spent most of my time working with Brain and Spinal Cord Injury patients. I LOVE working with people with disabilities and am excited that the youth department is incorporating a special needs ministry into our program.
Most likely to be when Divine inspiration hits: Unfortunately, it is early in the morning which makes me know for a fact that God has a sense of humor. For those of you who don’t know, I am not exactly a morning person. There are exceptions…I do have an abundance of energy in the early mornings on mission trips, camps, retreats, etc.
Favorite color: YELLOW! I love this color because it is a bright, happy, and loud color. The reason I picked it for my car color is because I don’t want to be one of those people that wanders aimlessly around the parking lot trying to remember where I parked my car. My car in a parking lot definitely sticks out. Also, occasionally I have been known to dress up in a yellow chicken costume. These are all the reasons why I love the color yellow.
Favorite foods: I am a big fan of food! Mexican food would probably be my favorite. I eat at Newks at least once a week and I love collecting the cups from there.
Five ways to describe me: I love Jesus! I love the youth at Cypress UMC. I love praise and worship. I am passionate about service and mission work. I love doing things at the "last minute."
The pre-CUMC years: I grew up in New York State and moved to Texas in 1996 via Minnesota and South Dakota. I have worked in Travel and Tourism, was a Medical Assistant in Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, and worked for a medical practice that specialized in Prostate Cancer. I had since been blessed to be called into youth ministry.
What I am reading: Besides the Bible – which should be the “Big” answer, I am reading the “Twilight” series so I can keep up with our youth.
Best quote I ever heard: From the movie “On Golden Pond,” it was stated “It is not a sin to die; it is a sin not to live!”
The people in my life: My husband Dave, which I married in 1988. My daughter, Courtney, and my Son, Drew. I have special parents, as well as a sister and a brother who inspire me every day. God has blessed me with many life long friends that I will always cherish.
What I love: Life!
What I do for CUMC: I am the Assistant Youth Director which brags that I have the greatest boss in the world!
What makes me laugh: Being on the Sand Volley ball court with my buddies! There is NEVER a dull moment….
Most likely to be when Divine inspiration hits: Being drowned in music!
Favorite color: YELLOW! How much brighter could it make your day! Brings out the smiles all the way around!
Favorite foods: Can’t get enough of Newk’s….I have more cups than Christie! Ok, maybe not, but I am close. I also can’t get enough of Mexican food.
