Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Power of Prayer
Watch out! We have been having a children's church time but that's about to evolve.
John and I are working this to a whole new level of incredible - we're going for a whole new Axiom Children's Worship Service.
It's going to be so grand that the kids won't want to leave and the adults will want to get in.
Please pray with us as we begin this endeavor. It's going to be fantastic.
John and I are working this to a whole new level of incredible - we're going for a whole new Axiom Children's Worship Service.
It's going to be so grand that the kids won't want to leave and the adults will want to get in.
Please pray with us as we begin this endeavor. It's going to be fantastic.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Thankful
I have so much on my mind today. If I tried to write it out long form, there would probably be about 15 paragraphs. So here's my best attempt at an abridged version: (Warning - It was pounded in my head to never generalize when I write so continue with caution.)
1. The Broken Road: Dave and I asked Mr. Chris Wall to sing this at our wedding because it really symbolized our journey to Jesus and then to each other. Our journey continues and just keeps getting better - hand in hand.
2. My Husband is just simply awesome. Last night there was some worry in the house, nothing too traumatic, but Dave took the helm and prayed with Erin. Twenty minutes later, the long-awaited phone call came and it was all good. He couldn't love us more.
3. We're proud of our daughter. She knows who she is and what she wants and is willing to do what's necessary. Letting her drive by herself was the hardest thing I have done yet with any of our kids but she is a good driver and I probably shouldn't worry so much.
4. Our boys are all such caring people. They are sympathetic and loving and all have great smiles. (Shhhh...they probably don't want anyone else to know this but it's true.)
5. I am excited about the new Children's Worship at Axiom. Until now it's been a one-step at a time thing for me but John is now in the mix and has given me new energy and enthusiasm. Bring on the world! We're seeking prayer so please pray for us as we begin.
6. The message at church this week was really thought-provoking. It was focused on the men but now the "drip, drip, drip" has become one of our newest cliches' and a fun way to express ourselves.
7. I am thankful for my job. It's not glamorous but I like it and it's something I can do well plus I have a manager who shows appreciation. I work with a great team and most of them love to talk about the Lord and all His goodness. We have unintentionally formed a prayer team. When someone is struggling, there is someone else around who can give them comfort with a prayer. It's cool knowing that they know I am available. They are also a lot of fun.
8. I saw my writing mentor from college last week and she was very encouraging, wanting to know how publishing was coming. She gave me some needed advice and a better attitude. She is just too cool - Dr. Linda Walvoord. Her children's books are incredible.
There's so much more but too much for words right now. I am so thankful.
1. The Broken Road: Dave and I asked Mr. Chris Wall to sing this at our wedding because it really symbolized our journey to Jesus and then to each other. Our journey continues and just keeps getting better - hand in hand.
2. My Husband is just simply awesome. Last night there was some worry in the house, nothing too traumatic, but Dave took the helm and prayed with Erin. Twenty minutes later, the long-awaited phone call came and it was all good. He couldn't love us more.
3. We're proud of our daughter. She knows who she is and what she wants and is willing to do what's necessary. Letting her drive by herself was the hardest thing I have done yet with any of our kids but she is a good driver and I probably shouldn't worry so much.
4. Our boys are all such caring people. They are sympathetic and loving and all have great smiles. (Shhhh...they probably don't want anyone else to know this but it's true.)
5. I am excited about the new Children's Worship at Axiom. Until now it's been a one-step at a time thing for me but John is now in the mix and has given me new energy and enthusiasm. Bring on the world! We're seeking prayer so please pray for us as we begin.
6. The message at church this week was really thought-provoking. It was focused on the men but now the "drip, drip, drip" has become one of our newest cliches' and a fun way to express ourselves.
7. I am thankful for my job. It's not glamorous but I like it and it's something I can do well plus I have a manager who shows appreciation. I work with a great team and most of them love to talk about the Lord and all His goodness. We have unintentionally formed a prayer team. When someone is struggling, there is someone else around who can give them comfort with a prayer. It's cool knowing that they know I am available. They are also a lot of fun.
8. I saw my writing mentor from college last week and she was very encouraging, wanting to know how publishing was coming. She gave me some needed advice and a better attitude. She is just too cool - Dr. Linda Walvoord. Her children's books are incredible.
There's so much more but too much for words right now. I am so thankful.
Monday, April 27, 2009
No better way to end it
This weekend was a roller coaster ride for my family but I can't think of a better way for it to have to come to a close than it did.
Our not-so-Small Group decided to meet at the park and grill some burgers and hotdogs. The guys got to show off their grill-skills and the gals made sure everything was ready to serve. The kids got to enjoy some serious running time at the playground and even managed to stay out of the water-soaked sand area (that was gross...) And, I did notice a few people trying to inconspicuously listen to our discussions so I hope they were able to take home with them a few questions which will require them to seek answers.
The weather was great.
The food was great.
But the company was the best!
Our not-so-Small Group decided to meet at the park and grill some burgers and hotdogs. The guys got to show off their grill-skills and the gals made sure everything was ready to serve. The kids got to enjoy some serious running time at the playground and even managed to stay out of the water-soaked sand area (that was gross...) And, I did notice a few people trying to inconspicuously listen to our discussions so I hope they were able to take home with them a few questions which will require them to seek answers.
The weather was great.
The food was great.
But the company was the best!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Things that make you smile
There are certain things that just make you smile. One of those things for me – Ducks.
I love ducks! Especially mallard ducks. When I was a kid, our ducks would wake me up in the morning – they all came up to the house and waited outside the gate for my papa to come out and feed them. He would go out and they would follow him all the way to corncrib, waddling and quacking like crazy the whole way. It was fantastic. So, now when I see ducks, I can’t help but just smile at their pretty little faces.
We have a cat, Riley, that tries this same wake-up technique. He tries to make me get up to feed him earlier than I have to by meowing continuously at the door or the foot of the bed. I eventually get up but intentionally give him the old fake-out by acting like I am going to the laundry room to feed him but then turn the other way and fix my coffee instead and then stare at him with a "uh-huh, who's the boss?" look. There’s some kind of strange satisfaction in this. You would think I just ran over his tail by the way he hollers at me!
But the most annoying thing of all is that when I do check his food bowl, there is still food in it from last night! Why in the world was he hollering for food when he has food? Yeah, I know why: It’s that whole conspiracy thing. Sorry Riley – I simply like the dog more.
I love ducks! Especially mallard ducks. When I was a kid, our ducks would wake me up in the morning – they all came up to the house and waited outside the gate for my papa to come out and feed them. He would go out and they would follow him all the way to corncrib, waddling and quacking like crazy the whole way. It was fantastic. So, now when I see ducks, I can’t help but just smile at their pretty little faces.
We have a cat, Riley, that tries this same wake-up technique. He tries to make me get up to feed him earlier than I have to by meowing continuously at the door or the foot of the bed. I eventually get up but intentionally give him the old fake-out by acting like I am going to the laundry room to feed him but then turn the other way and fix my coffee instead and then stare at him with a "uh-huh, who's the boss?" look. There’s some kind of strange satisfaction in this. You would think I just ran over his tail by the way he hollers at me!
But the most annoying thing of all is that when I do check his food bowl, there is still food in it from last night! Why in the world was he hollering for food when he has food? Yeah, I know why: It’s that whole conspiracy thing. Sorry Riley – I simply like the dog more.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Not afraid to show it
Working with the children is simply a delight. Sometimes I have the "I'm not ready for this" feeling on Sunday morning but it always works out of me 30 seconds into classtime.
This week we had three children who were going to be baptized after service. They were so ants-in-the-pants excited! We talked about when Jesus was baptized, what it means to be baptized. If anyone thinks that kids this age just aren't old enough to get-it, understand who Jesus is, they need to come and sit it with our class. They have a better grip on Jesus and His glory than I think most adults do. Adults have to reason too much.
These kids know it, feel it, and really live it. And they are definitely not afraid to show it. If I ask a question, there is normally more than one who is eager to share his/her answer. Some have already been out in crowds inviting others to church - handing out our new Axiom cards.
It's just so terrific and inspiring.
This week we had three children who were going to be baptized after service. They were so ants-in-the-pants excited! We talked about when Jesus was baptized, what it means to be baptized. If anyone thinks that kids this age just aren't old enough to get-it, understand who Jesus is, they need to come and sit it with our class. They have a better grip on Jesus and His glory than I think most adults do. Adults have to reason too much.
These kids know it, feel it, and really live it. And they are definitely not afraid to show it. If I ask a question, there is normally more than one who is eager to share his/her answer. Some have already been out in crowds inviting others to church - handing out our new Axiom cards.
It's just so terrific and inspiring.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Dare to be a Daniel
You know how a song gets stuck in your head? You don't even realize that you're singing it over and over again until you start singing it outloud.
One of the children's worship songs that the kids want to sing every week, is "Dare to be a Daniel." Which is, of course, referring to Daniel from the Old Testament who continued to pray even though he was ordered not to. Like most kids' songs, it has a catchy melody so it sticks right there in the front. I have been singing that in my head since yesterday morning.
This morning though, I really thought about the words. The chorus goes like this:
"Dare to be a Daniel
Dare to stand alone
Dare to have a purpose firm
Dare to make it known."
Isn't this one of the most challenging parts of life? Standing firm for what you believe? We all know that it's especially difficult when you are young. There are those who are outright trying to convince others to do something that they normally wouldn't do - and don't forget those who may appear more gentle but who are actually even more deceiving and cunning.
But it can be even more challenging as an adult. We have to "reason" things through, weigh everything out. The more you think about something, the more the black n white becomes gray and then you question yourself. Now, this is not saying that an open mind is a bad thing. We are human so reasoning is what we do. And we have to be open to change but its a sticky tricky dead-end path when you try to do this alone.
The only definite way to know exactly how to proceed is to take it to God. If you truly want to know - he'll provide the answer. And as we all know, it may not be the answer we are seeking - but we have to be obedient.
Dare to be a Daniel.
One of the children's worship songs that the kids want to sing every week, is "Dare to be a Daniel." Which is, of course, referring to Daniel from the Old Testament who continued to pray even though he was ordered not to. Like most kids' songs, it has a catchy melody so it sticks right there in the front. I have been singing that in my head since yesterday morning.
This morning though, I really thought about the words. The chorus goes like this:
"Dare to be a Daniel
Dare to stand alone
Dare to have a purpose firm
Dare to make it known."
Isn't this one of the most challenging parts of life? Standing firm for what you believe? We all know that it's especially difficult when you are young. There are those who are outright trying to convince others to do something that they normally wouldn't do - and don't forget those who may appear more gentle but who are actually even more deceiving and cunning.
But it can be even more challenging as an adult. We have to "reason" things through, weigh everything out. The more you think about something, the more the black n white becomes gray and then you question yourself. Now, this is not saying that an open mind is a bad thing. We are human so reasoning is what we do. And we have to be open to change but its a sticky tricky dead-end path when you try to do this alone.
The only definite way to know exactly how to proceed is to take it to God. If you truly want to know - he'll provide the answer. And as we all know, it may not be the answer we are seeking - but we have to be obedient.
Dare to be a Daniel.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Blown Away!
Today I was simply blown away! The kids were absolutely spectacular during our presentation of Malchus and the arrest of Jesus. And Danny, Jared, Jeremy - I cannot say enough about your willingness to serve after you had been volunteered... Just kidding guys, you were all just fantastic. John, your voice held it all together seamlessly - led the way for the others to perform. You are all simply outstanding, terrific, fabulous!
Thank you to everyone who helped guide, dress-up the cast - those who helped who to hold back the "mob" until just the right moment. Watch for the simulcast coming soon to U-tube!
Blown away!
In children's church today the kids were all excited. They really laughed a lot when we talked about exchanging punishments with each other and I think ultimately it did drive home how Jesus took our punishment. We made some Empty Tomb cookies and enjoyed a movie. It was just a "WOW'SER" day!
Thank you to everyone serving and for your support.
In the words of Buzz Lightyear - TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!
Thank you to everyone who helped guide, dress-up the cast - those who helped who to hold back the "mob" until just the right moment. Watch for the simulcast coming soon to U-tube!
Blown away!
In children's church today the kids were all excited. They really laughed a lot when we talked about exchanging punishments with each other and I think ultimately it did drive home how Jesus took our punishment. We made some Empty Tomb cookies and enjoyed a movie. It was just a "WOW'SER" day!
Thank you to everyone serving and for your support.
In the words of Buzz Lightyear - TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The NeuterScooter is coming to town!
There's a flyer up in the breakroom and if any headline could catch your eye - it's this one. The NeuterScooter - great name.
It is really a good cause though. There is a mobile veterinarian who neuters cats, even feral cats, for a small fee.
Just had to share the headline though.
It is really a good cause though. There is a mobile veterinarian who neuters cats, even feral cats, for a small fee.
Just had to share the headline though.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Too much bungee
Dave and I visited with some dear friends last evening, Mike and Bev. These two are at the top of our list of people we admire most. Despite a generation gap, we used to hang out together frequently - have Sunday lunch together - but life has gotten in the way. Mike and Bev brought Dave and me to Center Pointe many moons ago.
We hadn't seen them since our wedding day so the catching-up-as-quick-as-possible was very funny. We went from hugging and how are you's to food, hurricanes, and daring stunts such as indoor skydiving and bungee jumping. We all shared a headshake about the hopes that if we did go bungee jumping that we wouldn't have "too much bungee."
Today is their 30th wedding anniversary. Our applause, love, and admiration go out to them today for being such an inspiration to us and really just for being such wonderful friends.
We hadn't seen them since our wedding day so the catching-up-as-quick-as-possible was very funny. We went from hugging and how are you's to food, hurricanes, and daring stunts such as indoor skydiving and bungee jumping. We all shared a headshake about the hopes that if we did go bungee jumping that we wouldn't have "too much bungee."
Today is their 30th wedding anniversary. Our applause, love, and admiration go out to them today for being such an inspiration to us and really just for being such wonderful friends.
Monday, April 6, 2009
The kids say the greatest things
During classtime each Sunday morning I try hard to impress on the children the importance of Jesus. This can be difficult in a world full of commercialism and entertainment. Coloring pages and yarn don't always work to keep the attention span and those things don't always get the message across. (These are good for fillers though and we have them available before classtime.)
So, we improvise by entertaining with videos about Jesus and different activities/games. Always looking for something unique or different to get their attention. It can be a challenge - but it is so fulfilling when the message does get across. I suspect this is the same for Pastor Ray when giving his message to everyone. He could just stand there and read scripture like the "old" days (color the picture and paste it on another piece of paper week after week) but that's not in his plan. He brings a momentum with his message that inspires and drives home the meaning. Even when I can only listen to his message through ITunes, his emotions and enthusiasm ring through loud and clear. He gets us excited. We try to do the same with the children. (No, Jared, we don't want this on ITunes...)
It was brought to my attention by someone observing this week that they noticed one child in particular really has a grip on Jesus and the Bible. This young fellow loves to read and loves to answer questions about Jesus and the Bible and he is usually right-on the money. Most of the kids are quick to share and participate, it's just that this fellow just seems to express it well for his age. I love that he does share and only hope that when he shares his love of Jesus with other children that they feel his excitement about Jesus and want in on it too. He really knows his stuff. And, he has a great sense of humor.
I wonder if we went to a regular public school classroom and asked how many kids know who the Easter bunny is - how many would raise their hands and jump up and down with excitment? What if we asked the same question about Jesus? Would we see the same excitement and facial expressions? WE SHOULD! But I doubt we would.
Bunnies and chicks are great things and completely symbolic of the coming Spring season (along with the dreaded "achooo's") but I really want children to understand that Easter is about Jesus dying for our sins. That is the greatest. The best. The only real Easter treat.
The last couple of weeks we talked about the Last Supper and Passover and then watched a short video to drive it home. It was awesome to sit with them and share this magnificent event. One child spoke up during the movie that when Judas left the room, only 11 Apostles were left. My only thought was "Yes!" It's so cool when "it" works.
So, we improvise by entertaining with videos about Jesus and different activities/games. Always looking for something unique or different to get their attention. It can be a challenge - but it is so fulfilling when the message does get across. I suspect this is the same for Pastor Ray when giving his message to everyone. He could just stand there and read scripture like the "old" days (color the picture and paste it on another piece of paper week after week) but that's not in his plan. He brings a momentum with his message that inspires and drives home the meaning. Even when I can only listen to his message through ITunes, his emotions and enthusiasm ring through loud and clear. He gets us excited. We try to do the same with the children. (No, Jared, we don't want this on ITunes...)
It was brought to my attention by someone observing this week that they noticed one child in particular really has a grip on Jesus and the Bible. This young fellow loves to read and loves to answer questions about Jesus and the Bible and he is usually right-on the money. Most of the kids are quick to share and participate, it's just that this fellow just seems to express it well for his age. I love that he does share and only hope that when he shares his love of Jesus with other children that they feel his excitement about Jesus and want in on it too. He really knows his stuff. And, he has a great sense of humor.
I wonder if we went to a regular public school classroom and asked how many kids know who the Easter bunny is - how many would raise their hands and jump up and down with excitment? What if we asked the same question about Jesus? Would we see the same excitement and facial expressions? WE SHOULD! But I doubt we would.
Bunnies and chicks are great things and completely symbolic of the coming Spring season (along with the dreaded "achooo's") but I really want children to understand that Easter is about Jesus dying for our sins. That is the greatest. The best. The only real Easter treat.
The last couple of weeks we talked about the Last Supper and Passover and then watched a short video to drive it home. It was awesome to sit with them and share this magnificent event. One child spoke up during the movie that when Judas left the room, only 11 Apostles were left. My only thought was "Yes!" It's so cool when "it" works.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Who? Who? who-whoooo?
The mailman probably had a heart attack.
Our mailbox lid would never stay shut and often would have leaves or something in it. Imagine the looks on our faces when Dave pulled the leaves out of the back and discovered the neighborhood visitor! He didn't wake up until I flashed the camera at him. Looks a little annoyed doesn't he?
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