Dear Jesus....Amen

2008-04-29

When I was young, my cousin came to live with us for a few months. He was older than me, really cute, and very popular with the kids in his class. Of course, I was proud to be connected to him!

One night we were all sitting around the dinner table getting ready to eat. Daddy asked Stevie to ask the blessing and we all bowed in prayer. Just then, the phone rang and since Stevie was closest, he reached up to answer it. Without a blink of an eye Stevie spoke into the receiver, "Dear Jesus." This got him all flustered and he blurted out, "Oh wait, I mean amen!" At this point, all composure was lost and Stevie just hung up the phone. We all stared at him and then burst out laughing--we laughed long and hard about that until we realized the person never called back. That got the laughter started all over again.

I want my life to be like that moment for Stevie. The fact is, he was so intent on that prayer he couldn't think of anything else. What if every time we faced a situation in life our resopnse was "Dear Jesus"? And all God's people say "Amen!"

Coming to the Beginning of the End

2008-03-25

Many of you have called about the new evangelism kit "Castles and Crowns". I'm really excited about all the positive responses we are receiving. And I really appreciate everyone's patience. It's been a real faith builder to see all the obstacles that have cropped up now that we are actually in production of the kits!

We now have all the CDs in house and are mailing them out to everyone who registered their kit. If you are missing anything, watch the mail for the next week and it should arrive!

God is good! (I'm imagining all of you shouting "All the time!") And, yes He truly is good all the time. We are so thankful to Him for all He has done to make Castles and Crowns happen. You are all in my prayers as you prepare your VBS programs. What a blessing to be a part of the work for children. There truly is no higher calling!

The VBS Adventure

2008-02-18

I can't believe it! Castles and Crowns is done!! It has been such a blessing to work on this project and now, it is such a blessing to have it completed and available for everyone. Thank you to all the wonderful people who contributed to this project. There has never been any doubt in my mind that God wanted this VBS to be created.

This journey has truly been an adventure. Let's see, through this process I was put on blood pressure medicine, I gained a few pounds (ok...more than a few) and I never got a full nights sleep. So, what have I learned? First, that my level of trust in God needs some boosting. Secondly, I should never second-guess God because He's way better at everything than I can ever hope to be. And thirdly, the Lord never asks us to do something without sending the reinforcements needed to do the job right.

I pray that you are as blessed by using this VBS as much as all of us who played a part in its development. We have learned that we truly are royalty. That is a fact; and it is time we all realized it and celebrated our heritage. Have fun on this royal adventure!

Rubble Hill

2008-01-03

Just southwest of the town of Stuttgart, Germany, is the Birkenkopf, a hill that stands 1,677 feet tall—a fact that is not particularly remarkable until you learn that this is a man-made monument composed of all the rubble left after Stuttgart was bombed in World War II. I have many times had the privilege of climbing Rubble Hill, as we Americans called it. My favorite adventure was late at night December 31, 1975. Penny, my best friend from high school, had come over to spend the holidays with my family, and we hiked up Rubble Hill with blankets, thermoses of hot cocoa, and all the optimism that comes with ringing in the New Year. As midnight struck, we looked down on all the fireworks that were going off all around us. It was a beautiful sight.

December 31, 2007, found me sitting with my husband as we encountered our first “empty nest” New Year’s celebration—it was a quiet, unceremonious, and somewhat lonely welcome to 2008, and that New Years gathering so long ago came to mind. I realized that I was metaphorically doing the same thing this year. Looking back over the “rubble” of 2007, I realized that there were events I wanted to forget, people I should apologize to, celebrations I wanted to revisit, and prayers I needed to pray. How good it is that we practice new beginnings each year. How much greater it is that we can do this each day. In Lamentations 3:22, 23 we are told that God’s mercies are new every morning, with each day offering us a clean slate to start anew. Each day God’s redemptive power can change us and make us better people.

As you look at this new year, thank God that He offers us a clean slate through forgiveness, and mercies to last our lifetime and for eternity. Then celebrate each new day with Him. He will take the “rubble” of your life and make it into a beautiful monument to His glory and your redemption.

Put Your Mask on First

2007-10-24

I travel by plane quite extensively representing Kid's Ministry Ideas and I think I know the flight attendants safety spiel by heart. One particular day, the attendants got to the part that says, "In the event of an emergency, oxygen masks will fall from the compartment above your seat. Parents, please put your masks on first before helping your children."

I've heard that more times than I can count, but this time a light bulb went off in my head—help yourself before you help your children. Hmmm. That's a concept you seldom hear in church work. Our motto seems to be more along the line of "Do it all while you can because no one else will, and come to terms with the fact that you will burn out long before the work is done." Sound familiar?

The fact is, we can't help the children if we don't take care of ourselves. We have to be right with God, using the best fuel for our bodies, and taking advantage of undisturbed rest. Take time this week to sit back and analyze your ministry. Is your life-line to God in place? Are you breathing the sweet aroma of the Holy Spirit, arming your self for those inevitable emergencies? Your children need you. Be sure your mask is on securely and your seat belt is fastened with your tray tables locked securely and your chairs in the upright position. It's only when you take care of yourself that you can effectively take care of that little ones in your charge.