Already been a busy July!

 I am always amazed at just how fast the weeks go by.  Spending one day at Gwen and Tim's and one day at Doug and Susie's keeps me on my toes!  The Fourth of July was a really hot day.  I went with Susie and Grace to a local parade in the morning, along with Susie's parents.  Doug stayed home with Jimmy who was feeling under the weather and had a slight fever.  Being outside in the sun with the temperature in the 90's didn't seem like a good idea!  It was a fun "candy-filled" parade as usual..  The next day was hot as well and Grace and Jimmy (who was feeling much better) spent several hours in the pool!

Jimmy has no fear and stood at the top of the slide and jumped face first into the pool!  He needs a life jacket at any pool deeper than two inches, for sure!  

Grace was counting down the days until it was time for her "sleep over" with Anna.  It was another "Mission Trip" weekend - this time for the kids in 6th - 8th Grade.  Zeke was especially excited about this trip, since it was his first!  The older kids were the the leaders for this trip (along with the adult Bolder Leaders, of course) so Ellie, Lia, Gwen and Tim were gone also.  That left just Anna home with Grandma!  So we planned to bring Grace along to let these cousin/friends enjoy a couple of days together.  

Grace had been waiting to swim in the "Cousin's pool" for so long.  Sadly, it was a cold and rainy couple of days.  Needless to say, we braved the 70 degree cloudy weather and went swimming both days, between rain storms.  The girls camped out in the living room, in popup tents.  We played many games, watched a movie, had a picnic lunch outside,  painted, made beaded bracelets, made some suncatchers and did more painting.  We also visited a playground, had an ice cream treat, ate breakfast at a restaurant, AND THIS WAS JUST A TWO DAY SLEEPOVER!  Needless to say, this grandma had a great time.   Anna found "Matching dresses" in her closet, so they both wore these dresses on the last day.  

I somehow did not take a picture of the girls wearing these dresses (a grandma fail for sure), but did snap this picture of them working very intently on some coloring.  It was cold and rainy that day, but both insisted they were not at all cold in these very summery dresses!  Anything for fashion - and matching - I guess!  

This past week I helped drive Grace to Vacation Bible School at a nearby church.  Because Grace and Jimmy are in daycare two days a week, I needed to do the driving so she wouldn't miss out on this program.  She had a wonderful week at "Compassion Camp"  and I sure enjoyed watching the closing program on the day's I drove her back and forth.  My heart is certainly tied to Children's Ministry and there is nothing I love more than seeing groups of kids learning about Jesus.   Grace was especially interested in the collection that was taken to help support a local homeless shelter.  The goal was $200 for this community ministry.  I love that Grace is loudly singing all of the songs she learned this week and asks me to play them all the time.  

I can't wait for Bible Boot Camp - the Vacation Bible School program - that Gwen leads, which is the last week of July.  The first year I helped Gwen with this program, Anna was only two and a half!  You can expect a full report later this month.  I have so many great memories of leading Vacation Bible School programs.  I am so thankful that I still get to experience the joy and wonder and fun that these programs bring.  

I was remembering the one time that I went to Vacation Bible School.  I was in 3rd Grade and a neighbor (who we really didn't know) came over and invited me to attend the program at their church.  It was a Lutheran church - but not the church that we attended.  My mom was not so sure this was a good idea since she didn't really know this family at all, but I really wanted to go.  This church was across the street from my school and I knew some of the kids from my class that went to that church.  In looking back at this experience, I am so thankful for the willingness of this neighbor (whose name I don't even remember) to bring me each day.  During that program, I made a mosaic picture of a cross that I still have!  I also received my first "real" catechism, which is still on my bookshelf.   My attendance at church and Sunday School during my grades school years was spotty, at best.  With my mom working full time and my dad traveling almost every week, Sundays were busy with household chores and rest.  We also spent most weekends at our cabin from May through October.  This experience at Vacation Bible School made a difference for me and I am convinced it created a special place in my heart for Vacation Bible School.  You just never know the life-long impact an experience can have on a child!

If your church has a summer program, invite your neighbors.  It doesn't matter how old you are!  It doesn't matter if you don't have any kids yourself.   Can you volunteer to help?  Or how about bringing some snacks or bottles of water to a church holding a program near you.  Don't miss out on a chance to change a child's life!

UPDATE ON MY PLOT TWIST...Given my recent revelation and search for information from my DNA, I have been having many memories flood my mind.  I have had questions and comments asking me if I think that my mom knew my parentage, or if I had any "feeling" that I wasn't related to my dad.  I believe that my mom believed that I was my dad's child.   I was totally shocked with this news and never had any thought that this would be my story.  Because of the wide age spacing between my siblings and I, my life was very different from theirs.   I have to trust God's timing on this revelation.   While I would love to be able to actually TALK with those involved in this,  I know that there is a reason that I didn't know this until now.   I am still hopeful that I will be able to get more information on my biological heritage - on my father and half brother.  I would certainly love to have contact with this family.  And I will remain hopeful for that contact.  

Jesus, thank you for Summer and warm weather.  Holy Spirit, open our eyes to the ways you are working in our communities.  Give us courage and boldness to invite children (and families) to programs to learn more about you.  Give us hearts of compassion for those in need around us.  Thank you Jesus for children, laughter and song.   Amen

Being an observer to something really good...

 

It was so good to be able to watch (and participate) in the yearly Vacation Bible School program that is called Bible Boot Camp at Gwen and Tim's church.  I got an extra bonus this year, when there was an opening to help with the preschool kids one day.  It was so much fun!  There is nothing I love more than watching all the kids have so much fun learning about Jesus. 

Gwen and I were talking about the very first time that I coordinated a VBS program.  I think it was in 1987.  I pretty  much made it up as I went along.  We had several dozen kids and it rained all week.  We were doing this program in a really small space and with very little help.  What I most remember about that week is the joy on the faces of the kids.  Although I had been leading the Sunday School program for a couple of years, there is something totally different about a summer program.  A few short years after that VBS, I began the most amazing times serving  the Lord in children's ministry.   

Time spent with children is never wasted.  As a matter of fact I just heard yesterday that the best way to de-stress and relax is to play with kids.  I know that this is certainly true for me.  Every single second that I spend with my grandchildren is life giving.  Whether it is playing cards or games or pretending alongside a 4 year old, it simply fills me and makes me smile.  Sharing God stories and the love of Jesus with children is so much more than just "helping out" or "babysitting.  Over and over the Bible shows the importance of children in Jesus ministry.  Jesus told his disciples that they needed to be like a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven.  In fact, the Bible is filled with stories about children and how God loves them.  Most of you know that God put children on my heart and gave me a passion to see more for the kids than just a couple of Bible stories.  Through Holy Spirit inspiration, I wrote and planned a station rotation Sunday School program that was way before this model became the norm in schools and churches.  There were after school programs, mid week programs, Bible studies, and worship times for even the youngest preschoolers.  I know that these little ones can and will be touched by the Holy Spirit if we just create the atmosphere and expectation for it to happen.  Leaving my time working with children was hard.  VERY hard.  But, I felt God calling me to move into a new areas.  Over the next few years, I began to understand that the message that was so big in my heart - the value of children experiencing a real relationship with Jesus - needed to be heard by the ADULTS.  Sadly, the entire time I was pouring my heart and soul into children's ministry, the leaders - the adults - didn't really see and/or understand what Jesus was doing in and for the children.  As a matter of fact, there were some that didn't want this for the children.  As the years passed, the heart of God for children never left me.  While Gwen had been a part of much of my ministry (mostly as a leader), she was pretty clear that her calling was with the youth.  However, when Jesus has a plan and a destiny, it will be accomplished.  Gwen is now the Next Gen Director at her church.  And this includes ALL the children - from birth - college age.  Watching her accomplish so much more than I could have ever dreamed of brings me to tears.  Even during 2020 and the COVID pandemic, she planned and carried out ministry that has touched and changed families.  Watching the church filled with children, seeing the youth serving and leading, filled me with joy.  I am so thankful that I get to be an observer to all that Jesus is doing.  And it is good!

Jesus, thank you so much for your plan and purpose and destiny for children.  Holy Spirit, help us to hear your plan for each of us.  Give us courage to walk out those plans, even when others don't understand. Thank you Jesus for your love and care for every child.  Continue to pour out creative ideas and give strength and stamina to all those who hear your heart for children.  Thank you for your love for us.  Amen

Never back down, I've got my "God Suit On".... ...

I always wait anxiously for the Bible Boot Camp week at Gwen and Tim's church.  This is so much more than a traditional VBS program.  Lia, Ellie, Zeke and Anna just can't wait for this week to arrive.  Zeke has a count down calendar and keeps close track of just how much longer he has to wait until Boot Camp finally arrives.  Zeke especially asked me to be sure and come to watch (which I have done most of the last few years).  There is something really special for me to actually see Gwen leading/teaching this program.  We were talking about the many, many years I was the one doing the planning, leading and teaching at VBS.  It is really wonderful to see her just continuing on with this valuable ministry for the kids.  This years theme was the Armour of God from Ephesians 6:10-18. 

I never actually managed to get a picture of all four kids together.  Lia actually was a crew leader and Ellie was a junior crew leader.  And this year was Anna's first year "with the big kids" (they have the preschool separate from the older kids).  Zeke was just very excited to finally be a Bible Boot Camp. I love the energy and the music and most of all I love the message of these days.     

The very first song of the day - that sets the theme for the entire weeks message was called "God Suit On".  I love this song!  It is really worth listening to this and really hearing the lyrics.  Quite frankly I think that most of us adults need to hear this song and learn this lesson.  I sure needed it!  This song starts ....."when I wake".  And isn't that true.  We all need to - every day -  start off remembering that there is a battle we are in each day.  And we have a "God suit" that will carry us through the day.  It was the "Good News Shoes" day when I visited.  So the focus was on going and sharing about Jesus.  I loved this so much!  The Children's Ministry leader, Becky Williams, shared her own testimony from this summer - doing Bible Boot Camp in Turkey!  Really amazing photos and wonderful story.  Gwen had one of the youth share about her mission trip experiences.  What a powerful testimony for all of these children.  In addition to these "far off places" the kids were reminded that they can share right now.  On the playgrounds, at school, with their neighbors and even with their families.  They can share on vacation, at the amusement park or at the store.   Every day also includes a bible verse and these kids are really learning and remembering these verses.  So they end this week knowing five important verses and filled with a great message to carry into their daily life.  To top this all off, they also do a service project each night that often involves the entire family.  The project assigned on the day I visited, was to create a "Birthday goody bag" to be given to the local food pantry.  These will be given to the families so these children can get a small gift on their birthdays.  What a fantastic way to give the Bible Boot Camp kids a chance to share something that they all have received themselves.  

While I was standing in the back of the room, just observing all that was happening, someone asked me how it felt to see Gwen singing and dancing around with the kids.  WONDERFUL!  That is how it felt.  I was remembering seeing Gwen participating in VBS as a crew leader.  And now I can imagine Lia and Ellie and Zeke and Anna standing up front, with a microphone sharing with a new group of kids about the love of Jesus.  

If you have any doubt that these kinds of experiences are valuable for children, just listen again to "God Suit On". Let this song touch you the way that it has touched my heart.  Share this song with a child in your world.  Better yet, share this song with your friends and family.  Join me in my silly dance as I shout................

  10, 9, 8, 7, 6 -  Got my hands in the air and your praise on my lips!

  5, 4, 3, 2 1  Never back down, I've got my God Suit On!

Jesus, thank you for your Word that is living and active.  Thank you for blessing us with music and song writers who give creative melodies to your powerful messages.  Holy Spirit, remind us all to start each day getting ready for the battles that are in each day by putting on your armour.  Thank you Jesus for knowing exactly what we need.  Amen

"Disciples who go make disciples!"

I had the great pleasure today of attending Bible Boot Camp with Gwen and the kids.  This Bible Boot Camp is not your traditional Vacation Bible School.  In fact, it only slightly resembles anything you might think of when you hear VBS.  There is singing and there are memory verses but there are no crafts!  And the kids get assigned "homework" each night! (More on that later).  The kids are divided into teams (Red and Blue) and then into crews with leaders and junior leaders.  Lia was extremely excited to be a junior leader this year.  The majority of the activities take place outside and each crew sets up their "camp".  There are some amazing obstacle courses - even for the preschool kids!  And water play every day.  Gotta love a hose on a 90 plus degree day! And there are some rousing games of capture the flag also!

But here is what makes this camp so amazing to me.  The focus this year is on refugees.  So each of the crews of kids represents a country. Zeke is in Russia, Ellie is in Serbia, Anna is in China and Lia is a junior leader in Turkey.

Beyond just hearing some Bible stories and singing some songs, these kids are learning about what other kids from around the world, who are refugees, experience every day.  They are learning that Jesus loves us all.....even when we are different.  And then the kids are seeing exactly how blessed we are in the United States.  Today's video Fereshata's Story - 15 year old in Afghanistan actually moved me to tears.  I was thinking how good it would be for all of the parents to watch these videos that their children are seeing each day.  Every day is a different country and a different story.  In this video the children heard that Fereshata's father and brother had died.  Her mother works for $20 a month!  Yes - a month!  Her two younger sister ages 8 and 11 make and sell bread in the camp to try to earn a bit of extra money.  Only one sister age 13 goes to school.  But she teaches all of the sisters at night.  They have to walk to get water and they don't have electricity.  Yes, I could see the shock and surprise on many of the kids faces.  There were some very earnest prayers said for this girl and her family as well as all of the refugees in Afghanistan, after watching this video.  

The homework for each night is really a family project that involves some kind of service.  Today the kids all went home with garbage bags and rubber gloves and their homework is to clean up a park or some area in their own neighborhood.    What a great way to encourage service from even the youngest children.  Can you imagine some of the conversations around the dinner table after the kids participate in this kind of program?  They are learning about the love of Jesus.  They are seeing some of the issues in the world around us and then they are finding a way to share the love of Jesus right where they live.  What a very powerful message.  

Today as I was sitting in the China Camp (actually a blanket fort built out of chair stacks in the corner of the Sanctuary) with Anna, I was thinking about the more than 35 years that I have been around VBS programs.  I love that this program is so relevant for today.  Refugees are in the news almost every day.  Now when the children see and/or hear these stories, they will have faces and names and pictures to put with them.  They will know that they can pray for these people to know the love of Jesus. They will remember that Jesus loves us ALL - even if we are different.   And each one of them will have learned some ways to serve Jesus right now at whatever age they are - right where they live.  Their shirts say "Disciples who go make disciples" and that is exactly what this program is all about. 

As I looked around the room at the end of the day at all of those very wet but happy faces, I could see some future missionaries, some leaders and teachers, some pastors and worship leaders. But every face was the face of a servant disciple.  Kids who were being trained to go out into the world and show the love of Jesus and make disciples.  Now that's what the world needs!  

Jesus, thank you for Fellowship of Faith and the leaders who make this program possible.   Thank you for all of the children that are participating in this program.  Holy Spirit, help each child to hear and remember exactly what you know they need!  Thank you for videos that help us all to understand better the trials faced around the world.  Jesus, help us all to have servant hearts that want to show the world how much YOU love them!   Amen

Day 10- Vacation Bible School

Today I've been thinking about Vacation Bible School.  Last week my grandchildren attended a VBS program with some of their friends.  This week they are attending "Bible Boot Camp" at their own church.  I've had quite a bit of experience with Vacation Bible School - almost all of it as a leader.  The only experience I had at Vacation Bible School as a child was when an adult neighbor invited me to attend with her and her small children.  I was in 3rd Grade and it was a wonderful experience for me.  There are 2 things that stand out for me about that week.  The plaque above (which is some kind of stones glued on corrugated cardboard) and the fact that they gave me a Catechism.  This plaque hung in my room until I got married.

Beginning in 1989, every summer I was somehow involved with a Vacation Bible School program.  I have helped coordinate Ecumenical programs with several churches, I have written programs and adapted others.  During the years that I was Children's Ministry Director  we held some really amazing programs.  One year I used 100 yards of blue fabric (that I had purchased at a surplus factory for a "by the pound" price) to create a river that ran throughout the halls of the church and ended in a large pool in the front of the church.  On another year Ken helped me build an elaborate "robot" that was part of a large puppet theater.  Yes, creating the environment was always a big part of the program.  Oh how I loved to see all of those kids!  And I always tried to include one very special craft each year, just in case there was a little girl or boy that may hang it up and save it for 50 or more years. 

But the thing is, this week was always important to me because it was the one week of the year that children were welcomed into the church, allowed to sing and dance and have fun learning about Jesus, invite their friends, make crafts and hear Bible stories told in new ways.  It was also a time when the older children and youth were allowed to help and use their gifts and talents in service for Jesus.  This never made any sense to me. If it was okay for kids to learn this way one week, why not always?  I believe it was Vacation Bible School that got me thinking about ways to change this pattern of "one week only" and open up the church to children all 52 weeks of the year. 

Yes, I am thankful for Vacation Bible School.  I am thankful for all of the children who learn about Jesus every year in these programs.  And I am thankful for churches that welcome children into all parts of their building, including worship, every week of the year. 

Jesus, thank you for these special times of learning and growing.  Holy Spirit, continue to bring children and youth into their destiny as they experience church in new ways during Vacation Bible School.  Jesus encourage us all to see children and youth as you do.  Jesus, thank you for Bible Boot Camp and the ways that Lia, Ellie and Zeke are learning to serve others.  Amen

What I learned in Vacation Bible School (today!)

It is HOT outside today -  I mean HOT -  like buckling the roads and melting the pavement hot.  I know that I don't usually focus on such mundane things like the weather, but today is just one of those days.  In spite of the heat, what is on my mind is something quite COOL!  (Okay - I know I am showing my age, but to me, something "cool" is well..... AMAZING! ) Today I went with my daughter Gwen and her children to their Vacation Bible School.  There is nothing better than a large group of kids singing, dancing, playing, crafting, just generally having fun while learning about Jesus.  I loved watching my grandchildren - oh how fast they grow up.  But the best part for me was watching my daughter, Gwen, lead the singing. It is wonderful watching someone fulfilling their destiny, right in front of your eyes.  She is talented and gifted in music, but her passion is sharing Jesus.   She loves children and she can relate to babies,  preschoolers, tweens, teens and adults. And they love her right back. What an amazing gift. 

All that aside,  here is a list of some of the things I learned today at Vacation Bible School........

1.  Don't worry..... just pray!
2.  Stand..........Strong!
3.  Spread the Love of Jesus to everyone!

Really - is there anything else that matters???  I need to take these lessons in and meditate on them.  Isn't it true that if we would stop all the fretting and just pray about things, we would all be better off?  It seems like such a basic principal, yet I know that there are far too many times that I worry more than I pray.  When I consider all the shaking and storms that seem to have been swirling around lately, the "Stand Strong"  message seems made for me.  When we are standing on Jesus, our rock, we ARE strong.  And it is our destiny to spread the love of Jesus to everyone.

Last night a dear friend was praying for me.  She saw me on the top of a Ferris wheel, at a carnival and there was colorful confetti just pouring out from me.  Today I pictured the love of Jesus as that confetti.  What an amazing picture.  Don't you think it would look wonderful if we could see the amazing colors of the love of Jesus pouring out of us as we walked through our day?  I am going to begin to think about the presence of Jesus that can change the atmosphere around me, as colorful confetti.  How beautiful would that be!

Yahweh, thank you for my amazing daughter.  Bless her and her family as she continues to walk in your plan and purposes for her life.  Thank you for those happy, dancing kids at VBS today.  Help them to hang on to all that they heard and saw today.  Water all the seeds that have been sown into their hearts.  And Yahweh, I want to thank you for the VBS programs Gwen attended and all the seeds that were sown into her life.  Thank you for what you are doing in my grandchildren.  Thank you for what you are teaching me.  And Jesus, thank you for helping us.