Names for God

My prayer life took on a whole new dimension when I began praying with a Moms In Touch group several years ago. And it wasn't because I learned new, wonderous things, it was because we would spend the first several minutes praising God. Or "calling God names". Names like: everlasting, healer, provider, rock. And with each name, we would get ourselves in this place of realizing to whom we were praying. To a God who listens and is more powerful and loving than I could ever imagine.
So with that in mind, I have a new idea that you can start with your family. (Please adjust for your family's ages and attention spans.)
1. Read a story from the Beginner's Bible (and/or the correlating verses in your bible)
2. Let the kids help you think of a name that you can call God.(Sometimes our vocabulary stifles kids thinking)
3. Write that name in a margin in that story.(Yes, it is OK to write in the margins of our Bibles - you might want to establish with your littlest ones that only mommy and daddy can write for now, or the writing only happens when the family is togehter so they don't "write" all over their bibles.
4. Pray using that name for God and expand on it a bit.
ie:
Read "The Beginning"
One name you could write for God is "Forever"
Then when you pray, start your prayer with something like:
God You are forever, You were here before there was ANYTHING and you'll be here forever. That is amazing. You even knew me before I was born and you will know me forever. Wow!

Thank You, Dr. Larry!

Thanks for making the time to share your passion for science with some very interested kids at Club J. We learned a lot! It was cool when you broke the rubber ball.It was cool to pound nails with a banana and turn a flower to dust! The marshmallows were so fun to eat after you "freeze dried" them. We had a ball!

Outings

It has been fun to watch the kids at Club J learning and growing together this summer. Thought I'd share a few pictures of their trip to the dome. Exciting to think that next year they'll be touring a new baseball stadium! I have to admit that I will miss that old dome. I never realized how much I liked it until one time when I went into shock in the hospital. The nurse was trying to get me to focus so she told me to try to visualize the most peaceful place I could think of - I thought of the blue seats and the green field of the metrodome!

Tied and Dyed

This week at Sports Camp we tie-dyed shirts. It is a process - but well worth the effort. After taking off all the rubber bands and rinsing/ringing out all the water, Trevor hung his shirt over the fence and quietly whispered to me, so as not to hurt one of the other kid's feelings, "I like mine the best." I later told the kids that that is what God says when He makes something. "I like mine the best!" That's me! That's you! That is each one of us. He takes such joy in how we turn out!

God Gives Us Life

What a great week. Today Chadder the Chipmunk made a surprise appearance to the delight of many! The kids got to taste a few of the foods that Jesus ate at His last supper, which was a passover meal. In the drama room, they held their arms out for one whole minute so they could begin to think about what Jesus did on the cross for them. The final offering being collected in the straw hats put us over $500.00 for the week. What a privilege to have seen God at work in the lives of children (and their leaders!).

God Does What He Says He'll Do . . .

This is the time of the week where relationships between leaders and kids are cementing. What a cool thing to be able to love on kids on behalf of Jesus! It is also very neat to see the little ones growing closer to God.
We've had some fun "God sightings". One little boy slept in his room for the first time and told his mom that he knew he wasn't alone because God is always with him. Now that's worth the price of admission! Take time to send an e-mail or comment here - I'd love to hear other God sightings that your kids are seeing!!

God is Powerful

What a great day to experience that God is powerful - and then get a big thunderstorm and beautiful sunset. His fingerprints are truly everywhere. I sure have been seeing signs of His work in big and small ways this week with the kids. Enjoy these photos of the Pharaoh covered in boils (stickers),

the children pretending to be dying cows,

a powerful ride for a leader

and fun at worship

FEAR NOT - God is Always With Us

What a great first day! 48 leaders sharing God's love with kids sure brightened up this place. You'll notice our glowsticks in the worship at the end of the morning. We're going to let him shine.

Sweet Reunions

Thought I'd share a few photos of the sweet reunions between parents and kids - after 5 days at camp it is amazing how good your mom looks! - But I think that goes for kids, too! The parents were equally as excited to see their kids. It was a fun site to witness!

Walkin' on Water

Just got in from a "find the counselors" hide and seek game. Earlier they played bonkers. Kids had to try to go to ten stations and complete tasks at each one. As they completed a task, they would get their hand or face marked. BUT they had to beware of the "bonkers" who were chasing them with socks filled with flour. If they got hit with the flour they had to stop until a "medic" came to heal them. You'll notice some photos of the "trophy" arms and faces.
Today the kids got to think about how Peter doubted the power of Jesus, even after He just fed 5,000 people. We never need to doubt His power - or His love for us. The evening worship was on the beach, and the counselors washed the feet of each camper. You could tell that the kids really understood that it was an act of love - there was a real sense of humility as they let the counselors serve them in this way. I wish I could post all of the pictures - I'll share them with you when we get back.

Jesus is Not a Hired Hand

Tuesday the kids focused on Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Not a hired hand. He loves us because we are His. Good stuff for kids this age. The rain actually held off most of the day, so lots of fun even on a cloudy day.

Firm Foundation

The week long theme at Camp Onomia is Jesus is our Firm Foundation - and todays worship and lessons were all around the story of the houses built on the sand or the rock. They are learning some great new songs and meeting some fun new friends. They just finished playing their favorite game - Eagle's Eggs - What a blast! Enjoy the photos - I'll try to post everyday! So check back!

Surprises

At 6:18 on Monday morning, Pete woke me up with these words, "Honey, you really should get up and come outside to see the bear in the neighbor's tree." Needless to say the Monday morning blues didn't get a chance to lull me into that "5-more-minutes" trap.
It would be an understatement to say that my husband likes to snag someone in his practical jokes, so of course I asked all the questions of a trusting wife who has been hoodwinked a few too many times, taking the tone of an interrogation on CSI. "What do you mean?"
"How do you know?"
"How can there be a bear in a tree in our neighborhood?"
(Important information - we live in the middle of a very populated, neighborhood with houses on small lots, no forests for miles - a racoon: yes, an occasional mis-guided deer: possibly, but a bear?)
It wasn't until he mentioned the police on the corner closing off the street that I decided to take a bite and go look. After I confirmed the police on the corner, I finally believed him.
So I grabbed the kids and the camera and we went as close as we felt we should to get the sighting recorded.
The particular tree that the bear was treed in is one that I walk under on my walking route. I wonder if he's ever been in that tree before. I certainly have never noticed him before, but I will be looking up in that tree before I get under it for the next few months, I'm sure!
Waking up to unexpected surprises is such a compelling way to start the day/week, it causes me to be looking for and finding more surprises! I think that somethimes what we're expecting is what we get. If we're expecting routine, that's more than likely what we'll encounter. When we're expecting surprises, the routine doesn't seem routine. Gets me wondering how many surprises I miss by staying in bed for five more minutes many mornings! Or how many I miss because I'm so focused on my own stuff. Or how I approach my bible reading/prayer time - routine or expectant?
Thinking about the guys who got to hang out with Jesus - I wonder if they ever had one ordinary, routine day. He was always doing such surprising things! Oh, wait! I've been invited to hang out with Jesus everyday, too. I better keep my ears and eyes open to His surprises.

POST SCRIPT: Almost more surprising to me that morning was the answer to my last query of my husband after I finally had gotten all my bear questions answered. "What were you doing out in the yard at 6:00?" Fertilizing the yard! What a honey-bear!
Photos are from my neighbor, Tanya!

Cinco Reasons our Teachers Deserve to be Honored

Uno: they love Jesus
Dos: they love kids
Tres: they come every Tuesday night to share their love for Jesus with the kids they love.
Quatro: they are willing to step out in faith - like Peter who got out of the boat not knowing what would happen - they step into their classrooms each week fully aware that what they have planned might sink! God loves risk takers and so do I!
Cinco: "A child first learns to love their teacher, and then they learn to love their teacher's God." God reveals Himself to kids through loving, willing, risk taking, gluey fingered, knee-hugged teachers.
What a fun night to celebrate our teachers at the Cinco de Mayo party.

God's Wrist Watch

What great privileges I had yesterday! The staff served lunch to the seniors of central. They were gathering to meet our new visitation Pastor - Larry Rehlander. So many faithful followers of Jesus all gathered together in one room! To reflect on the collective experiences they have had in their individual walks with Jesus is amazing.

Then in the evening, I got to serve pie to 12 different families who will be baptizing their babies soon. The oldest baby in the room was 11 months and the youngest, little Sadie, only 4 days old. We had families share their hopes and dreams for their children. To reflect on the collective ways that those 12 babies will have to experience Jesus in their individual walks is equally amazing. Just a glimpse into God's clock. No numbers or hands, no looking forward or backward - just a busy garden where lots of people are growing together!

Third Graders Got Bibles

Enjoy this little video that captures the excitement of getting your first Bible . . . that we should all be this excited about God's word in our lives!

Jesus: All Natural - No Artificial Additives - Needs No Preservatives

An Easter thought share by Benjamin with his mom:

Benjamin stays with us during service now and he always enjoys when we
discuss the message and how it applies to our lives.
After the Easter service, Ben said that joy in material things was like
processed joy -full of high fructose corn syrup and other bad things.
Joy from Jesus was all natural, organic, always good for you JOY!

I love it when the children come up with these heartwarming messages.
Thanks for sharing Christine!

A Forest for a King

On Palm Sunday as I was standing at the back of the sanctuary while everyone was waving their palm branches, one little boy said to me, "It looks like a forest in there!" And indeed it did! Palm Sunday began so festive, but ended very solemnly, with one of my favorite hymns, "Oh, Sacred Head Now Wounded" and everyone left the sanctuary in silence. Jeff shared a great message to help us prepare for the holiest of weeks. If you weren't able to be there, take time to listen to it. It is worth it!

Bag Ladies - Bag Families

There are a few women who clean out and fill up our children's activities bags each week. What an awesome way to minister to strangers. Little children come on a Sunday morning and grab an activity bag all ready to go to help them "focus" during worship. What a gift to the child - and the parents.
Matthew 15:35-36 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me. MY ACTIVITY BAG WAS MESSY AND YOU CLEANED IT OUT! The problem is that we have to keep making more and more bags because we run out every week during service. (You could help with this problem by reserving the bags for preschoolers and visitors and encouraging your older kids to bring their own bags.) Because the number of bags is expanding to meet the needs of our kids, so is the number of hours and hands to keep the bags ready. Our bag ladies are recruiting their families to help! If you are willing to help with this ministry on a monthly basis, please let me know . . .

My Kind of Town

Our family was in Chicago - crammed a weeks worth of fun into one weekend. We took the Megabus down and back so we had some serious time to be together just the four of us! Saw the Devils vs. Blackhawks and although the Devils lost, we got to see Paul get a great goal. Took in the Field Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Adler Planetarium. We fell in love with The Corner Bakery and Cafe. We walked there every morning for breakfast.SUnday morning the snow/slush was ankle deep, but it was worth it - baked French toast! mmm-yeah! We got to spend some great time with some of our favorite people, too. Bev and Dale and just a wee bit of time with Paul (3 minutes after the game) and Leah (a few hours).

Intrinsic Vs. Extrinsic

If you offer a child a choice from these two pictures, they probably will choose the "stuff" as it has an allure. But the one that they will remember and carry with them is the time they spend with you.

I feel that if you give children lots of extrinsic (outside of self) rewards (candy, stickers, etc.) their motivation becomes something outside of themselves - "I'll do it for a dollar." If you can help children reward themselves (intrinsic rewards) their motivation will be the great feeling of accomplishment. Thus being said, I think it is great to praise and celebrate when significant goals are met.
Scripture memorization is one of those areas where if a child is motivated to memorize for a prize, they might not sense the joy of hiding God's word in their heart as a reward in and of itself. But how cool it could be for families to memorize scripture together and set goals that have celebrations attached.

On March 17 at the Family Dinner, families brainstormed how to celebrate when the whole family reaches a goal. Here's their ideas . . .

1. Have an ice cream night (make the ice cream yourselves!)
2. Go out for dinner
3. Kids can pick the game to play, the movie, the restaurant
4. Go for bike ride as a family
5. Go to church
6. Family game night
7. Family movie night
8. Family zoo day
9. Go to Disney World
10. Go swimming
11. Whoever memorizes first gets to pick what to do as a family
12. Pizza party for all
13. Bowling
14. Special treat night
15. Family fun day at the YMCA
16. Make cookies together
17. Family bike ride to DQ
18. Picnic in the living room
19. Family sleepover in the family room

Tape it to a Hockey Stick?

At our family dinner on March 17, families were asked to share their ideas for how to help each other memorize Bible verses. Here are some of their ideas . . .
• Put it on your milk carton
• Put it on the bottom of a clear plate
• Make a poster to include it
• Draw a picture
• Sing a song
• Read it over and over
• Tape it to a refrigerator, mirror, door you use, on TV, on computer, above bed, on calendar, on wall, white board,
• Break them up into parts/pieces
• Repeating verses with each meal or bedtime
• Say a little bit at a time, adding a little at a time
• Text it to yourself and a friend
• Tape verse to hockey stick
• Practice every morning going to school (like practicing spelling words
• Put verses on the fridge and recite them whenever you get something out
• Note cards
• Make actions that go with it
• Start small, build upon what you’ve learned
• Make up songs to go with item to learn, include actions
• Sticky notes!
• Read, write, say, quiz, repeat!
No one said tape it to their bike handles like Jill does!

Matt's Bible Presentation

I love my job. But somedays I really LOVE my job. Today was one of those days when I REALLY LOVE my job. After the 9:30 service, when I got to watch Matt get his bible, I realized that I wouldn't even know Matt if I didn't get to do what I do, and reader, let me tell you about Matt.

Matt is awsome. He's got the greatest sense of humor. One of his teachers told me that once after being sick and missing a whole week, he returned to school and his teacher said, "so, you were sick." And he said, "NO!" She said, "Then where were you?" "Stuck in a carwash!"

Matt also has a great faith. He loves Jesus! He loves to have his mom read the bible to him. He loves to pray and sing songs about Jesus.

Matt has a great personal skills. The first time I met him it seemed like a casual meeting. The next time I saw Matt, he remembered me from before because he recognized my voice.

Matt is blind.

When I found a Braille Beginner's Bible from Braille Bibles International, first I talked to his mom who gave me a thumbs up. Then I talked to the kids that know him at church. We talked about how the church had bought them each a bible when they were baptized. They decided that they were the church and they could raise their own money. They were really excited to contribute to the fund that would buy him his Bible.

(When we ordered the bible we were told that there would be no charge. The bibles are actually free because people donate to the ministry. Of course, the money that was collected was sent to Braille Bibles International so they can make a Braille bible for someone else. It takes ten volumes to fit the Braille pages in between the regular pages. Each page is made out of plastic so it it very thick.)

During the two months that we were raising money and waiting for the Bible's to be shipped here, several of the kids found me to ask, "did that boy's bible get here yet?" When the ten volumes arrived, they all got to see them - and touch them.

Today they were invited to the front of the church to have front row seats when Matt's parents placed the Bible in his hands.

Matt was asked three questions:
Where is Jesus? Matt- In my heart!
What are you going to do with your bible when you get home? Matt-read it.
Who would you like to thank? Matt- My mom and dad and the kids.

Spontaneous applause! A few tears!

Who wouldn't love a job like this!

New SPLASH 2

Cayden and Ava comfy on mom and dad's lap, listening to the story.








Jessica and Wade learn about infant massage. He's looking quite relaxed, don't you think?
The next opportunity for SPLASH! is coming up. Check it out. Invite a friend! Tell a neighbor. It is a great way to get connected.