Having a servant's heart starts young for some....

This past Sunday was a super fun day for me.   I had been watching Gwen's kids while Gwen and Tim attended an out of town wedding of a former youth member from their church.  It just happened to fall on this special Sunday -  the Rock Soup Kitchen.  The Rock is the Children's ministry of Fellowship of Faith.  I have heard about this event for many years, but I have never actually witnessed it.  All I can say is WOW!  Instead of just TALKING about being a servant to the children, they give them an actual, meaningful way to serve their church family.  Members create homemade soups and bring them in crock pots.  The children are given jobs, appropriate for their ages.  I loved that Pr. Dave encouraged the congregation to "allow the kids to serve you!"  He went on to explain that often adults just jump in to "help" thinking that they can do a faster or better job.  But especially on this day, it was important for the kids to be able to SERVE.  Lia and I got to sit back and be served, since she is now out of ROCK and in BOULDER (the Middle school/High school ministry). 

Our first treat were these adorable turkeys that Anna's class had made.  Such a cute addition to the meal.  

Zeke's class was in charge of the drinks and also the bowls and spoons.  Each of the kids had a chance to do most of the jobs in each age group.  

Ellie's class got to serve the soup.  She got to serve some wonderful homemade Green Chili Enchilada soup.  There were so many varieties that it was hard to pick which wonderful smelling soup you would try.  I actually picked the Ham and Bean soup in the first picture and it was delicious!

They had the recipes near each soup so that you could make them at home.

Anna's class was also in charge of collecting the dirty dishes to take them to kitchen.  Quite a big job for these 4's and Kindergartners.   All of the kids did a wonderful job of smiling and asking if there was anyone who needed anything.  I was extremely proud of our three servants.

I can't think of a better way to help the children feel a part of the church than to help serve.  The large crowd of people eating this soup reflected the congregations willing participation in this event.  This is just one of several ways that even these young children have a chance to serve throughout the year.  

Many of you know that Children's Ministry has been my passion forever.  I invested many, many years of service with children and youth in all kinds of ways.  Because of this, I have witnessed so many children grow into adults who love and serve Jesus.  I believe that there is nothing that Jesus loves more, than seeing children serving others.  Leaving Children's Ministry was one of the hardest decisions I have ever made.  But, as with so many things, there is a season for everything.  And my season of serving in that way was done.  I am so thankful that I get to watch (from the sidelines) as Gwen has stepped into a new role as Children's Ministry Director at Fellowship of Faith.  Gwen and Tim have been serving with the Bolder Youth Ministry for many years and they will continue to serve there.  Gwen has been helping in ROCK for several years and  this opportunity came at exactly the right season for her and it was clearly a God-orchestrated event.  Don't you just love how Jesus knows how to bless you?  This is such a blessing for me to see Gwen pour ideas and vision into an already great program.  

So, this Thanksgiving (or really any time) watch for ways to let those that are younger than you, serve and bless you.  I know that sometimes it is hard to accept help, but remember that you might be helping grow a servant heart.  Let that young boy hold the door open for you.  Or let that sweet teenage girl help you on the stairs.  Being served will bless you also.

Jesus, thank you for your servant heart that even washed the feet of your friends.  Holy Spirit, help us all to not only look for ways to serve others  but give us soft hearts to be willing to accept help and let others serve us.  Thank you for great ideas that help our children learn and grow.  Continue to speak to us all with new and creative ideas to help us reach our world.  Thank you for your great love for us.  Amen

My "Active Senior Lifestyle"......

I really hate when people say they are "so busy"!  As a matter of fact, Gwen and I were recently talking about a sermon from a very long time ago that we both remembered.  Pastor Del said that "busy" was "Being Under Satan's Yolk".  It has always stuck with me.  So I will not say that I have been so busy.  But I will say that our family has had many activities in the last few months that have left me feeling sort of behind on tasks that normally get done. 

Beginning in late September when my family participated in our extended family reunion.  I love this photo from the event that Susie captured of just our family.  This was certainly an out of the ordinary event that was added to our calendar this year.  

October included several things that I have previously blogged - my weekend with Gwen and Tim's kids while they were on retreat.   A trip to both Brookfield zoo and Cosley Zoo.  And there was Halloween.  

I loved watching all of our grand kids hit the streets to Trick or Treat on a beautiful, warm fall Sunday, the day that Gwen's neighborhood celebrates.  Accompanied by MANY friends, no coats were necessary and there were many happy children, full of candy.  

And then winter came to Illinois.  On Halloween (October 31) we woke to plenty of snow.  And it snowed all day.  There were many unhappy kids around who did not get to trick or treat in the warm fall weather.  We only had about 1/4 the number of kids as normal at our house.  During that snowstorm, I was happily helping set up for a conference at a nearby hotel.  Chicago HUB is a ministry that I have supported for many years.  I volunteered to help with registration for their yearly conference so I (thankfully) missed most of the snow.  In spite of the snow, more than 750 people came to worship together and hear some incredible speakers.  

I missed the second morning of the conference, to be with our family to celebrate Lucas' fifth birthday together.  I made this plaque for Doug and Susie and Grace.  I love that we know that Lucas is with Jesus and we will see him again, and we will always have him in our hearts.  

I returned to the conference and spent three more wonderful days getting filled up with great worship and wonderful teaching.  Because I spent time at the registration table, I got to meet so many new friends and also connect with people I haven't seen for many years.  I was surprised to learn that over 400 of the people who came to this event were new to HUB.  There were so many young people and so much energy.  Even though I was pretty tired by the end of this conference, it was so worth it.  

Last week was just a "normal" week for me.  I spent time with Gwen and the kids.  Participated in my Bible Study group.  Watched Grace on Tuesday and Thursday.  Went with Ken to a doctor appointment on Wednesday and had work done on my car on Friday. (I was so glad to finally have the correct part installed so that my check engine light will no longer be shining at me!)  I have been putting the finishing touches on my Operation Christmas Child boxes that need to be dropped off in about a week.  My boxes are always done in honor of Lucas.  Each box contains items that will help six little boys learn about God's love and just who Jesus is.  

The weather has stayed unseasonably cold.  On Thursday, Grace and I made banana bread using my mom's recipe.  It is so fun to watch her experience new things.  She loved to stir and mash the bananas. I love that I can share this part of my mom with Grace and I know that my mom would be so pleased.   It just seemed like good weather to have the oven on!  Yes, winter is upon us.

This weekend has been a wonderful time for me to catch up on so many things.  I spent some time cleaning up my scrap room after packing my boxes for Operation Christmas Child.  I ordered some photos printed for my upcoming scrap weekend, and I prepared my album with paper.  I got food shopping done, laundry completed and have actually managed to cook several meals.  Right now I am relaxing to the wafting aroma of chili, simmering in the crock pot. So all is right in my world.  

November is thankfulness time.  And I am so thankful today.   For family that keeps me active and involved in so many ways.  For friends that surround me with prayers, with care and with laughs.

I am thankful for ministry opportunities - for Chicago HUB Ministries.  For united worship with people of all races, denominations, countries and backgrounds.  And I am so thankful for all of you reading this blog.  I never, ever imagined that I could chat with you about my everyday life, even though I have never met you!  I love that I can share about Jesus and how much my life has changed because of my relationship with Him.  It is my prayer that you can "read between the lines" of this blog and know the great grace and love and blessing my family has experienced through Jesus.  I would love to know your story and to hear about your day to day life.  Please know that I love to read your comments and I am thinking about you and praying for you with each blog that is posted. 

Jesus, thank you for showering me with your love and kindness.  Holy Spirit, help us all to know that you are just waiting for us to call out to you.  Give us courage and boldness to share about you Jesus.  Thank you for all the new ways that we can reach the world with your Gospel Message.  Amen