The default location

I heard part of a speech this morning on the radio from Pastor Greg Laurie who, even though he had lost his son two weeks prior in an auto accident, found the courage to speak at a large convention in southern California.

He said that many people think of heaven as the "default" location for after we die. However, he continued, it is not the "default" location, it is a choice.

Profound choice of words - What a great way to put it.

Here is an article about this speech, although it does not quote this part of it, it is still worthy of reading. Greg Laurie Speech

Small size - big Heart

If anyone reads the local news, you may have seen this story. If not, please take a moment to go here and check it out.

We talked in our small group about doing more for others. This seven year old not only talked about it, she "did."

I didn't know that!

I am offering a challenge to everyone who reads this:

Tell me one thing that nobody (or hardly anyone) knows about you!

You can keep it as light as you want or if you would like to use this space to go deep, it's your decision. I would like to post your comments but please let me know if you don't want your comment published.

I will start:

* If I wake up thirsty in the middle of the night, nothing is more satisfying than drinking straight out of the milk jug! (sorry family...)

Can't we all just get along?

This week has been full of conflict. We have the presidential nominees throwing "he did this" but "he did that" all over the television and radio. We have the Olympics, which should provide some kind of unity among the nations -but instead leads to accusations of cheating. I am not saying it doesn't happen - we all know it does - but why does it have to happen? Can't we all just get along? (I have never read anything so sad as the article about the little girl in China who was deemed as "not cute enough" to sing the opening ceremony song. Come on! I saw the picture, she was adorable, what seven year old girl isn't?)

Then we have conflict at our home. But how do you explain to a teenager gowing into the world how to handle conflict when its not the kids she has to be wary of...that unfortunately, its adults! Shouldn't the adults be more capable of resolving their issues, understanding their own struggles? So-and-so #1 is being nice to her so she returns the kindness and they become friends. Uhoh, so-and-so #2 doesn't like so-and-so #1, so our daughter becomes a target for smack-talk. What does the parent do? For me, I try to be Switzerland! Let me talk to them and see what's going on and maybe with some kinds words and explanations, we can solve this quickly. That's the trick, right? I couldn't have been more wrong. Can you say "backfired?"

So, referring back to my previous blog, I prayed for God to help us find an answer. You know what he told me to do? Let it go. Guess what I did? I let it go. I talked to our daughter and told her the same thing. "This is going to pass so call up so-and-so #2's kid and just talk to her as you normally would - don't mention anything that has been going on. Let it go." Guess what worked? She called and the first two times it was awkward due to the adult who answered, but she made it through the second time and things are good. I hope that by taking that second deep breath that our daughter not only learned about humility herself but that she also taught others the same. It takes a big person to do what she did and I can't tell you how proud I am of her. She was hurt but found the courage through prayer to face the issue and deal with it. Girl, we love you --you rock!

Letting go

Philipians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This past week has been a roller coaster ride. Up and roaring one day and down in the valley the next, wondering how to get out of there. One of the biggest problems I face in my daily walk is stopping this urge I have in trying to control a situation without praying about it first (I lost sight of my tree...Thanks to Melissa B. for reminding me =) ) Since I let it all go and prayed, the situations have all calmed down and I feel more at ease today. It is just amazing that solutions become clearer once I stop trying to take control. I always tell my family - I'll figure it out, that's my job. Little do they know that for the past few years, my "figuring" it out has meant going to God in prayer. First, I thank him for each and every struggle I have because these have only made me stronger in faith and then I ask him for even more strength for current situations. It just blows me away when the more I let go, the faster a resolution comes. I just have to keep reminding myself - make it an absolute/no excuses habit - pray first and let God take the wheel.

Do you have a tree?

(forwarded...)
I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just finished a rough first day on the job (a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one ton truck refused to start,) I drove him home. While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.

When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation... His face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

'Oh, that's my trouble tree,' he replied.' I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my
wife and the children... So every niight I stop by my "trouble tree," thank God for everything and then I just hang those troubles up on the tree and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again. Funny thing is,' he smiled,'when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.'

Do you have a trouble "tree." Do you use it daily?
(Don't forget to first Thank God for everything!)

Sunday Switch-Up

Although I had thought it would be fun to have a Christmas celebration this week, at the last minute I switched-up and decided to make it a birthday party instead -- a half-birthday party for Jesus. We played birthday games such as pin the candle on the cake, hot potato and musical chairs to the tune of "There were Twelve Disciples." This song names the twelve disciples in rhyme and what better way to learn who the twelve disciples are? So, we played it over and over and over ... you can imagine - it is still stuck in my head! Great song to have there by the way. The party was great - the kids were spectacular! For the last three weeks it feels as if we have settled into a good groove. The kids know what to expect, I feel more comfortable - and the assistants have been providing such great care! That has been one of the keys to our success. Before, with such a wide variety of ages, the younger ones were restless and the older ones had questions. Combine those two things and it is a little chaotic. However, thanks to those who came to help, such as Lynn and Erin yesterday, the younger kids were completely entertained, allowing the older ones to have their time to listen and ask.
Thank you to everyone who has stepped up and been there for us. Our team definitely needs you! If anyone else would like to be a part of the Children's Ministry Team, just give me a holler. We're working on developing the program even more - it's going to get more exciting each week.