Move Over Picasso!

What an inspiring event during the rain/slush/ice/snow storm. Over 300 pieces of divinely inspired art from artists 2 months old through ten years old. What a great way to contemplate how to become like little children, wide eyed and fully responsive, as we make our way to the manger. Some of the art will hang through Christmas. Take time to be in awe of Christ working in and through little ones here at Central

Encore! Encore!

"The Miracle on Main Street" musical was so awesome that there will be an encore! What a fresh way to hear the Christmas message - funny and thought provoking at the same time. Standing ovations to the wonderful performers.Special thanks to Renae Laugen and Laura Babneau for their great leadership, and kudos to Mayor Jake!

Popcorn Prayers

Here's another way of praying together with your family. I'm a little hesitant to call this prayer the popcorn prayer, because a good friend told me that after introducing the sandwich prayer to her son, every night he thanks God for meat!
Here's how the popcorn prayer works: someone is designated as a starter and someone else as an "amen"-er. Anything that happens in between is up to you, the kids and how God leads you. There can be thanks and praise and requests all mixed together. Just one short little prayer at a time - just one sentence. The reason it's called a popcorn prayer is because when corn is popping in a pan, you never know which kernel will be the one to go next - and you'll never know who be next when you pray like this. One person might even go two or three times in a row. Happy praying! (Amanda might have to have a little bedtime snack of popcorn before using this one with Grant!)

Check Out These Great Ideas for Christmas Alternatives

I've been getting caught up in the spirit of the season. The tree is decorated, my favorite Christmas tunes in my head . . . now it's on to presents. Check out these alternative ideas to spending tons of money, but instead, to spend time (don't worry - it doesn't have to be during this busy season - it can be a promise for later.) At any rate, some of you have seen these two at the Parenting for Real Life! workshop or at a MOPS meeting last spring, Jim and Lynne Jackson.

Happy Birthday, Baby Jesus!

Oh, what fun we had with the two year olds and Baby Jesus. They each got to take a little baby Jesus home with them (compliments of Billie Evenson who stitched them all using little socks). A little hay to play with, a shoe box for a manger, a bite sized cupcake and a candle to blow out. Two year-olds are so excited about everything. Helps you to realize what Jesus means when He ways we need to become like little children to inherit the kingdom. Wonder what all those little two year olds will learn about loving Jesus by caring for the Manger Baby this Christmas.

Oh, Baby!

Baby Massage class was so relaxing last night. The room smelled so good of the oil, we warmed it up with space heaters and the sounds of lullabies and cooing babies was almost dreamlike. The coolesst thing of all was to see the babies have such strong eye contact with their moms and grandmas. They knew it was special,too. What a great bonding time! Thanks to Jenny for leading it - great job!

Clown's Nose, Handsoap,Wooden Doll, Bee and Prayer

Here are a few more thoughts on how prayer is like an object from family night. Aren't these creative?
Clown's Nose: A clown's nose is missing a section an sometimes our prayers a missing something. Sometimes we forget to say thankyou or express how we have sinned. Handsoap: reminds us of prayer because it washes away our sins when we ask for forgiveness and it's like a sweet incense.
Wooden doll within a doll, within a doll: prayer and doll come in many shapes and sizes, it has different souls, because we pray for little babies.
Bee:As we ask for prayers it is passed from one person to the next, just like bees polinate a flower - one to another.Bees wok together to get more done, when more than one prays we get more accomplished in fellowship and prayer.

Basketball, Seashell, Turtle and Prayer?

Here are some more ideas shared at our last Family Night. How are these objects like prayer? Read what these tables thought and guess which object they go with. This can be a family activity!

1.When you fold your hands to pray they look like a this.. Prayer goes up and down (you to God, you to God). It reminds us that prayer comes down from God. If you use it often, you'll win!

2. Your prayers can take their time before they are answered, moving in a slow but deliberate fashion. The shell protects the turtle like prayer protects us.

3. Answers can be small and quiet. They are everywhere. They are like a phone.

Sandwich Prayers

No - not prayers for your left over turkey sandwiches (although we certainly should be thankful even for leftovers!). I'm talking about a special way of praying that encourages kid's involvement - here's how it works: I tell the kids that we're going to do a sandwich prayer I'll be the bread on both sides and they can be the good stuff on the inside. . . I will start the prayer with a few sentences and leave one unfinished. Here's a few examples:
Thanksgiving: Dear God, everything we have has come from you. Today we want to thank you for these things: our house, . . . . . . .
Praise: God you are amazing. You have done miraculous things! Some of your great works are: when you walked on water, . . . .
Praying for others: Dear God, we know that you want us to help others. Help us to notice when people have a need, and give us a heart to help them. Today we pray for those who are: hungry,and those who are . . .
After the kids and others have a chance to add their thoughts, close it off with a quick ending and Amen.
I promised that I would add a new idea for family prayers each week at our Family Night this week. Here's installment number one. In the back of your prayers journal, you can start a list of kind of prayer - Sandwich Prayers being number one. Next week: popcorn prayers. Tell me your stories of how you used this. Comment here . . .

Prayer is Like . . .

Tonight at family night, we had a fun gathering activity. There was an object on each table and the families were to work together to consider how the object might be like prayer. Here are a few of the thoughts. See if you can match the object with the thoughts below.

Along with the really cool, smart people, photo one has a a tape measure, photo two has a silver creamer, and photo three has a maraca.

Which of these comments matches which object:

A.Prayer and this object are both like music, the duration of each depends on you, you get out of them what you put into them, they are both beautiful, everytime you use it it sounds different,like every prayer sounds different.
B.Prayer and this object can be long or short, there are many uses for them, they are both tools, anyone can use them.
C.Prayer and this object are both strong, old, silent and quiet, used for pouring something out,both can fill you up, can be shared with others.

Aren't those great! What creative families we have. Keep posted - I have more for another time!

Hope/Manure/Compost

My dad has been struggling with some pneumonia this fall and has been laying low. He and my mom had discussed not putting the leaves into the compost pile because that would involve breathing up a lot of dust to dig the new hole. Not good, but what? No compost pile? What will happen to the garden next summer? That was a hard day: to give up hope because of the circumstances you're in today? That will ultimately mean giving up on the future, too.
Kyle Becklin came over and took care of the digging and others got the leaves to the backyard. The leaves will rot and become minerals for great, big tomatoes. The world came back into order. Hope of next year's salsa returned.
A week later at Tuesday school I was expounding on the merits of different animals that we could "vote" on with our offerings. Would they rather send a goat or a pig, a duck or a rabbit to give hope to a family in another country? Under every animals' resume, "manure" was listed as an asset. How interesting it is that part of the hope that the animal brings to a family is their stink! Perspective can change anything!
While I was out raking in the yard I was thinking about how the compost and manure and the messy things in our lives are what can make our lives richer - it all depends on how we view it. Do I view my brokenness as rot and manure, or as opportunites for new growth? It was a refreshing rake!

Oreo Truffles - from the Mo/Daug retreat

I promised I would post this for the girls from this fall's retreat. They were delicious! Thanks, girls for making them for us! Messy, but worth it!
Oreo Truffles (Makes 3 1/2 dozen)

Ingredients
* 45 Oreo cookies, divided (1 package)
* 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
* 2 (8 ounce) packages semisweet baking chocolate, melted
Directions
1. Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in a food processor; reserve for later use. (This can also be done in a resealable bag with a rolling pin.).
2. Crush the remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs and place in a medium bowl.
3. Add the cream cheese and mix until well blended.
4. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1" in diameter.
5. Dip the balls in the melted chocolate and place them on a wax paper covered baking sheet. (Any left over chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.).
6. Sprinkle the tops of the truffles with the reserved cookie crumbs.
7. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
8. Store leftover truffles, covered, in the refrigerator.

Cabellas for Moms and Dads

How many hours of training did you have before you could take your driver's test? How much training to hold down the job you have now? How many magazine articles, books, videos have you partaken of to help you be a better _____________(fill in the blank: golfer, runner, hunter, cook, scrapbooker . . .) How many hours of training have you had for your most important job of parenting? I sure know that I am excited to spend a day thoughtful about how I am shaping my children. I know that they are truly both God's kids, but He needs me to be as equipped as possible for this job. I can't get this stuff at Cabella's or REI. Can't wait. Jump from here to the website to sign up.
November 22, 9:00-3:00. Lunch and childcare included in the price.
$30.00 for singles. $50.00 for couples.
For parents with kids birth through high school.

Get Out and Vote! (For a Duck?)

This week at Tuesday school, the kids are going to get to vote on which animal they want to buy through the Heifer Project. They get to vote with money.We will be collecting until Christmas. Take a look at the website, it is a gift that keeps on giving! (They actually had homework - to figure out how many rabbits a family would have at the end of one year)

History In the Making

No matter how difficult it has been, and no matter who the winner is, the results of tomorrow's election will be historical. Take time to explain to your children that their children will study this in their schools in 40 years.
The way that we respond to it will send a message to our children. God asks us to be faithful to Him and Him alone.And God asks us to support and pray for our leaders. No matter if your candidates win or lose, take time to pray on Wednesday morning with your children for our new leaders. Your actions and attitudes will make history that your children will be modeling to their children in 40 years. Two great messages that helped me open my mind are linked here - something better to listen to than the pundits! Pastor Johannson's weekend message right here in River City and Mark Batterson who pastors a church in Washington,D.C.

Get Out There

I just heard the weather report - why are you even reading this! Share in the comments how your family is going to celebrate this great fall weather. If you need a few ideas, check out this website that Chris Freborg shared with me. It is full of great ideas from the National Wildlife Federation to help get your family outdoors, it is called Green Hour.

Turn-table

Had lunch with a friend yesterday. She had called and asked for help with her relationship with her daughter. I agreed to meet her only after she acknowledged that I was her friend and not an expert! As she told me examples of what was frustrating her, I kept saying, that is a great idea! I'm going to try that with my family! Two points: 1. She stepped out and asked for help. So many of us don't! 2. In asking me for help, she ended up being a blessing to me! I truly walked away from our conversation with a new resolve to better my relationships at home. Moms and dads, let's stick together -
1 Thessalonians 5:11: So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Stay tuned and I'll share one of her great parenting ideas with you in a few days!

Give Me a Sign - Baby!

How cool to have a gathering of little people, their moms and dads, and even some daycare providers all learning about how to use sign language with little children. It seems that as little ones are developing, they have better control over their fingers than they do over the complex work of the lungs, larynx, tongue and teeth all working together to make sounds. Signing has become a great way to stimulate communication between little ones and the ones who love them! It is kind of like a temporary and limited way of expressing themselves until they get their full voice! Check out this great site to learn signs that encourage vocabulary growth in little ones.
It makes me think of how as I praise God and cry out to Him in prayer, that I still have a long way to go before I come into my full voice; I am limited in how I express myself to Him. I can't wait to be able to let loose oneday in heaven! I'm sure we have no way of knowing what it will be like - singing, dancing, . . .signing?

Mo-Daug: Taste and See

What a great retreat! Mom's and daughters hanging out with other moms and daughters - growing closer to each other and to God. Had to quickly share a few photos before I head for bed . . . . I'm certain you'll be asking for our recipe for truffles. Are there calories in the stuff you lick off your fingers? Who cares! Right Erica and Marissa?

Fall or Winter?

We had to pull out the winter “outerwear” box for gloves this morning. This crisp air is certainly a reminder of how fall is a transition season – from warm to cold (frigid), from light to darker. Actually, all of the seasons are transitions with signs reminding us of the season to come. Makes me think of how we’re living out our time here on earth, in transition while we wait for the time when we will live with Him in heaven. As the seasons transition from one to another we certainly do experience great joys ( and pains) inherent in each season, but every season is also interspersed with those reminders that this isn’t permanent, the next season is around the corner. It’s exciting! But I am holding out hope for a few more glorious warm days!

Going Green?

One of the goals that we have for our family dinners, is that along with focussing on some great Christ centered topics, we would also try to model some behaviors that reflect our core values. So, we decided that we're going green - which also means - that we're washing dishes. Some would argue that running the dishwasher is not so green, and debate that what we waste in water and electricity equals what we waste in paper that we throw away. The point isn't which practice has the bigger impact on the environment, but rather what we model to our children.
The other part of what we are allowing kids to see and be involved in, is how we care for others as we serve and clear our tables for one another. What do you think? Weigh in with a comment!
Oh, and please sign up for our next dinner (click on e-mail address) -
Tuesday night, 6:15, Chicken Alfredo - Theme - sent beyond ourselves - we're making cards for the troops and having a few other surprises.

Dinner for You?

Our next family night is already on the horizon! Only a few weeks away. We're cookin' up something special - in the kitchen and beyond! We're really hoping for another great turnout - but we're also hoping to have a better guesstimate of how many will be joining us. Contact me (click here to contact me then click on my e-mail under my lovely photo) if you need me to get your name on the list. We're serving up chicken alfredo - kid friendly - and some neat opportunities for families to talk about and act on what it means to live beyond ourselves.

Mo-Daug

Getting really excited for the Mother - Daughter retreat for fifth and sixth grade girls. Bev Johnson and I drove up to Camp Onomia last week to check out our spaces. MAN it was beautiful! By October 24 and 25 most of the color will be gone, but I'm sure the tranquility of the lake setting will add to the "coolness" of this retreat. We are building our content around some songs from High School Musical. Happens to be the same weekend that HSM III opens in theaters! Looking forward to seeing how God is going to be at work in this weekend. Contact me if you want more info!

Feeding the 5000 (or 300)

Our first family dinner was a success in so many ways. The biggest way? That we didn't run out of food! 180 people had signed up, we decided to plan for 50 more than that, and we ended up feeding almost 300!
People were very patient, considering we had to set up five extra tables. We had to ask people to share food from table to table.
Many commented on how fun it was to eat "family style" by passing the food around the table instead of standing in a serving line.

We have already shared lots of ways to make it even better next time. Would love to hear your ideas!

Why Children's Ministry is Dangerous

Last night at Tuesday school witht he preschoolers, we were talking about how God created everything, including the animals. I had some kids come up to act out animals. Christian was acting out climbing up a tree and chomping with his mouth. The rest of the kids just weren't getting it. I asked him to give us a few hints. We said, "I eat leaves". Well, that didn't help. So, even though I've been working with kids for years, I asked, "Is the animal you're thinking of as big as me or smaller than you?" "Hmmm, it's medium like a mom." I had to take a moment to recover!
I am especially fond of that boy - and so is God!

SPLASH! at the Rink

I think it was as much fun to watch some moms get their groove back as it was to watch the little ones develop theirs for the first time. Us big people had to envy the diaper padded seats that the little ones could fall on. They had an advantage! That floor is wicked hard! I had forgotten the disco ball! Was that cool for us to watch the kids watch! Getting psyched already for the next SPLASH! night October 27 - we'll be learning about using sign language with our little ones. Invite your neighbors

Ears WIde Open During the FIre

The sadness I feel in the aftermath of the fire is overwhelming at times. But the incredible, simple ways that God took care of fire victims by whispering in people's ears to be His hands and feet keep me focused on how we need to cling to hope for our neighbors.

I count it a privilege to have been at church for the Onomia Quilt Auction when the fire broke out and to have been able to watch how God worked. I'm sure Larry Klimek and Carol Grier and Mike Cheney, who showed up to spruce up the church for the 60th anniversary party that morning felt privileged, too. God needed us to be there because people needed water and diapers. They needed someone to listen or sit near them as they silently watched their home burning.

But He kept whispering and more people came. Don Wille saw the smoke and stopped in, having driven the van with the wheelchair lift, not knowing that Gerald, who was wheelchair bound would need transporting away from the smoke that had followed him into the lobby of church.

And He kept whispering. And more people came. Calvas saw the smoke and came running. They ended up spending the whole day manning the phones and meeting countless needs by connecting people wanting to help, with ways that they could help.

He sent Laugens at the very moment we got the list of the contents of all of Christopher's birthday presents, down to the Sponge Bob cake so he could celebrate his fifth birthday in the High School commons while his parents waited for the Red Cross to arrive.

He sent Maria Guidarelli, a high school Little Lambs employee to offer childcare to the children as the wait in the commons got too long for their little bodies. She got on her cell and rallied her friends.

So many others.
And people keep listening to the promptings of God's whispers. He is so very good! It strikes me how He wants our ears wide open to His promptings always. Lord, forgive me for the noise in my life that keeps me from hearing how you want to use me every day!
If you are interested in ways that you can help with the fire check out Central's website. We will post info about needs there.

Remember Rollerskating?

Did any of you go rollerskating when you were younger? I'm even remembering the stale-popcorn-stinkyshoes-plastic-smell.Oh, yeah! I can't wait, because we're going again on Monday night. But with a twist! SPLASH! families are bringing their little ones along in strollers. Looking forward to it! You can still sign up! (just click on my e-mail address and tell me you're coming) 5:30-7:30 Monticello Roller rink (Click for map) $3.00 per person - $10.00 per family! Let's strap on those skates - do you think they are still as heavy as they were!

Invisible

Jessie K. forwarded this You-tube video to me . . . it is so worth watching! I want to be invisible for Christ!

The Buzz

What a great meeting we had last night for Tuesday school. Tons of energy in the room. There was a buzz! How cool that God has put it on over 30 people's hearts to come hang out here on Tuesday nights with kids! I've got this cool vision of thousands of little faith seeds getting planted into children's hearts! Can't wait to see how God grows them! If you haven't signed your kids up for this year yet - do it on-line by clicking here.

The Shack

I just finished reading The Shack by William P. Young. What a compelling book! The book I was reading wasn't mine so I couldn't take notes and underline - so now I have to get my own copy and read it again. There is a veritable treasure chest of fresh and exciting ways to think of how God intends us to know Him. I'm all a tingle! I want to laugh and cry with God like Mack did!

Here I Am, Jesus!

How incredibly receptive kids are to the love of Christ! That we might all be listening with our ears wide open! Can't wait for tomorrow!

Jesus Has the Power at VBS!

What a great first day at VBS. Take a look at some of the amazing photos. A whole lot of learning going on. The lesson with the bubble pictures was to think of something big that we could be thankful for. Then the kids got a chance to be encircled with a HUGE bubble.

The blindfolds in the drama room helped the kids experience what it might be like to be blind, right before Heather Orton and Ryan McCarty smeared a little (oatmeal) mud on their faces, as Jesus did to help the blind man!

Speaking of mud, we got to taste some (pudding with gummy worms) thanks to Linda Sklenika and her great kitchen crew!

Over 240 kids got to experience that Jesus gives us the power to help others! AHA!

Talent Galore

How great is our God to give us such a gorgeous week. We are having fun, but many are getting tired and ready to see you all again!

The talent show had some amazing music, skits and other indescribable bits- (but not any less skillful). I wish my batteries wouldn't have died right before it started! I could have shown you some piano virtuosos, waterfall engineers, dancers, the entire company from American Idol, including security guards, ping pong players with an unbelievable finish and a few creative human tricks thrown in.

Looking forward to seeing the sweet reunions tomorrow . . .

Jill

The Amazing Race

Another gorgeous day at Camp - the kids are getting tan, mosquito bitten, tired, making new friends and having a blast. They are also really in God's element - flock of over 20 pelicans on the lake all day today, two turtles supposedly laying eggs, loons singing during our campfire. Our activities and discussions centered on how God's light shines even when we doubt. Tonight we had an Amazing Race all through the camp. The kids worked in their groups to solve problems, answer Bible trivia, jump a rope, keep a volleyball up for 20 volleys, shoot some hoops, solve some charades all with the final goal of collecting all the words to a Bible verse. Tomorrow we'll be reading from Luke 10:38-42, where Mary sits at Jesus feet and Martha hustles and bustles to make a meal for Jesus. We'll talk about how God's light shines, even when we're distracted.