Here is a link to the Missionaries Awana helped to support this year through a great fund raising effort.
We raised $110 through coin collections this year. We had some left over from the year before, but most of it was raised this year. Good Job Awana!
http://traveltheroad.wordpress.com/
Cut and paste to view this Month's travelogue.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
As I read His Word and Pray, He gives direction, as I follow Him each and every day!
I have been more hungry for God's Word right now and in the last few days, than I have been for a time. I read and study His Word daily and listen to His voice when I can quiet my own down long enough to hear Him. Sometimes that takes place at night, when it is all quiet on the front line and the peace of God comes over me.
So in my getting understanding better, I have come across many a children's ministry websites.
First, I was not a perfect parent. I struggled for a long time to grow my own little disciples. It really hit me when they were in 3rd and 6th grades that we needed more. It took many rough starts to get comfortable with each other to start really reading and understanding God's Word. We prayed together all the time, taught the values and visions and dreams but didn't really get into God's Word. When we did it together, the world opened up. We started attending conferences and understanding together. Our circle of friends, trusted friends, got together. As my children grew, so did their faith. Are they strong now as adults, in many ways. They are on their own and no one tells them what to do now.
So, as I am reading the websites here are a few tools to stick in your parent tool bag that I hope you find useful. These are a bit long, but definately worth the time.
Check out the website.
This is from www.DiscipleBlog.com
-------------------------------------
Whatever we allow to fill our minds will strongly influence how we feel and what we do. The sobering reality is our behaviors, repeated often enough, actually shape our destinies. That’s the message the Holy Spirit communicates to us in these words, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).
All of our “outside” actions originate from within. Inside we reason, develop attitudes and experience emotions which result in behavior. “For from within,” Jesus said, “out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean’ ” (Mark 7:21-23).
What’s happening in our hearts will eventually work its way out into our lives. No wonder the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
The renewal of the mind is key and it is done by stripping out the bad stuff by filling it up with the good stuff. Jesus put it this way, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” (Matthew 12:35).
So then, what’s the good stuff? The good stuff is tested, enduring, and certified true, it’s God’s Word. His Word has the greatest transformational effect when it is “fixed” within our hearts. That has been and is still God’s intention:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children . . .” Deuteronomy 6:6,7
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds . . .” Deuteronomy 11:18
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly . . .” Colossians 3:16
The good stuff is the Bible. Fixing its truth deep in our hearts is God’s clearly revealed will and it is so potent for mind and life transformation.
For this reason, those of us who seek to disciple boys and girls to become life-long followers of Christ have to take a good look at how we approach Bible memory in our children’s ministries. In my evaluation, it is one of the weakest areas in children’s ministries. I’m very interested in hearing responses to this from those who are acquainted with children’s Bible curricula and Bible programs with a Bible memory component. I believe we must do better and I believe we can.
Here is another one that struck me.
What Happened to the Bible? www.DiscipleBlog.com
Let me ask you a few questions related to children at your church, and the Bible. After each, please pause and reflect on the answer.
RE: Children and the Bible
Do your children bring their Bibles to church?
Do your children USE their Bibles at church?
Are Bibles needed by your children during your programs?
Do you have Bibles available for children who don’t bring or have one?
Are there a bunch of battered, torn, and coverless Bibles laying around your church?
When is the last time you saw a child reading their Bible on their own?
When is the last time you saw a child reading the Bible?
Do your lower elementary children know the books of the Bible by memory?
Can your upper elementary children look up a Bible verse without help or the table of contents?
Do you have any children who have marked up, underlined and well worn (from use) Bibles?
RE: YOU and the Bible
Do you read your Bible often? (outside of lesson preparation)
Do you use a real Bible when you teach? (other than as a prop you hold up)
Are your lessons birthed out of the Word, or out of a box or disc?
If all Bibles in America were banned and confiscated, but any electronic version or use was still allowed, would there be any noticeable change in your lessons and/or program?
Do you have a marked up, underlined and well worn (from use) Bible?
These questions are meant to stimulate thought, not guilt - though my asking gives away a serious concern I have with what I would call the growing Bibleless Trend in Children’s Ministry.
I travel to many churches as a guest speaker or trainer and am very often stunned by how little need there is for Bibles in most children’s ministries. I consider teaching with and out of a Bible to be the FUNDAMENTAL BASIS of my teaching. I use puppets, object lessons, media clips, illusions and you-name-it, I’ve used it, to creatively teach and engage children, but never as a replacement or substitute for teaching with and out of a Bible. ONLY THE BIBLE HAS GOD’S PROMISE OF EFFECTIVENESS. And yet, the Bible is a rare object in perhaps most children’s ministries today. This is a tragedy!
I have seen churches where none of the kids had Bibles, and when I tried to find some to pass out, or at least to use with 5-6 kids on stage for a Sword Drill - NONE COULD BE FOUND to use. Not in the well-equipped resource room, not in the library PACKED with books ABOUT the Bible, not even battered shameful looking Bibles on shelves in the back of the room. And this has happened over and over in churches around America.
Yes, the Bible is quoted in the PowerPoints, illustrated in the videos, taught through object lessons, acted out in puppet shows… but the Bible itself is mysteriously MIA in many churches! (Missing IN ACTION!)
I don’t care how attractive your ministry facility is, how innovative your program, how creative your teaching - if you are neglecting to teach kids the value of God’s Word by example (teaching with and from it) you ARE TEACHING THEM A LESSON: that the Bible really isn’t that important.
Kids learn by what they SEE - they need to see you teaching with and from an ACTUAL Bible. And the learn by what they DO - reading in and from an ACTUAL Bible.
If the only Bible they see are PowerPoint slides and cartoon re-enactments it is no wonder when they outgrow children’s ministry they outgrow the Bible too.
STEPS FOR ACTION: (If you are feeling even slightly convicted)
Start reading your own Bible regularly, outside of lesson prep. (If you don’t already) As it impacts your own life, you will have a passion to share its wisdom and insights and power with those you teach!
Teach with and from a Bible when you teach. You can even print your lesson plan on a half sheet and keep in the Bible so the children constantly see you picking up and looking into the Bible. Even if you are reading notes, the visual message is that the Bible is guiding your lesson.
Encourage kids to bring their Bible to church. Reward occasionally with a treat - not every week - but occasionally so they know that bringing the Bible is important.
HAVE KIDS USE THEIR BIBLES as part of your teaching. Don’t put every verse on the screen, just the reference or first half of the verse. Have them look it up. The awkward silence or pause in your “momentum” is worth it!
Have kids stand up and read passages for you. Have someone there with a microphone if you have a large group.
Do Sword Drills on the topic of your lesson. If you have a very large group, choose 8-10 kids to come on stage to participate. This not only gives them practical experience looking up verses it shows them that the Bible has a lot to say on the topic. You can give 4-5 sentence teaching moments after each verse read.
Give Bibles to visitors or any child who doesn’t own one. Personalize it with a message from you about the importance of this book.
Talk about things God taught you through the Word in your quiet time.
Encourage kids to ask you questions about the Bible as they read.
Provide reading plans or bookmarks to the children, reward progress as they read.
Make the Bible something you and the children USE, not something you talk ABOUT.
PRAY and ask God to give you creative ideas on how you can make the Bible more central to your teaching and programming.
If you have neglected the Bible in your passion to better reach and teach kids, don’t feel bad - but do something about it
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11
The best way to get God into the hearts of kids, is to get His Word into their hearts!
Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29
If you truly wants God power in your teaching - don’t just quote His Word - USE His Word!
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
We live in a day and age when there is no end to the new and innovative resources for children’s ministry (and that’s a good thing!) but it may just be the next best thing for your children’s ministry is to return to an emphasis on the Word of God - in practice - not just in word.
So in my getting understanding better, I have come across many a children's ministry websites.
First, I was not a perfect parent. I struggled for a long time to grow my own little disciples. It really hit me when they were in 3rd and 6th grades that we needed more. It took many rough starts to get comfortable with each other to start really reading and understanding God's Word. We prayed together all the time, taught the values and visions and dreams but didn't really get into God's Word. When we did it together, the world opened up. We started attending conferences and understanding together. Our circle of friends, trusted friends, got together. As my children grew, so did their faith. Are they strong now as adults, in many ways. They are on their own and no one tells them what to do now.
So, as I am reading the websites here are a few tools to stick in your parent tool bag that I hope you find useful. These are a bit long, but definately worth the time.
Check out the website.
This is from www.DiscipleBlog.com
-------------------------------------
Whatever we allow to fill our minds will strongly influence how we feel and what we do. The sobering reality is our behaviors, repeated often enough, actually shape our destinies. That’s the message the Holy Spirit communicates to us in these words, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” (Proverbs 4:23).
All of our “outside” actions originate from within. Inside we reason, develop attitudes and experience emotions which result in behavior. “For from within,” Jesus said, “out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean’ ” (Mark 7:21-23).
What’s happening in our hearts will eventually work its way out into our lives. No wonder the Apostle Paul wrote, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).
The renewal of the mind is key and it is done by stripping out the bad stuff by filling it up with the good stuff. Jesus put it this way, “The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him” (Matthew 12:35).
So then, what’s the good stuff? The good stuff is tested, enduring, and certified true, it’s God’s Word. His Word has the greatest transformational effect when it is “fixed” within our hearts. That has been and is still God’s intention:
“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children . . .” Deuteronomy 6:6,7
“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds . . .” Deuteronomy 11:18
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly . . .” Colossians 3:16
The good stuff is the Bible. Fixing its truth deep in our hearts is God’s clearly revealed will and it is so potent for mind and life transformation.
For this reason, those of us who seek to disciple boys and girls to become life-long followers of Christ have to take a good look at how we approach Bible memory in our children’s ministries. In my evaluation, it is one of the weakest areas in children’s ministries. I’m very interested in hearing responses to this from those who are acquainted with children’s Bible curricula and Bible programs with a Bible memory component. I believe we must do better and I believe we can.
Here is another one that struck me.
What Happened to the Bible? www.DiscipleBlog.com
Let me ask you a few questions related to children at your church, and the Bible. After each, please pause and reflect on the answer.
RE: Children and the Bible
Do your children bring their Bibles to church?
Do your children USE their Bibles at church?
Are Bibles needed by your children during your programs?
Do you have Bibles available for children who don’t bring or have one?
Are there a bunch of battered, torn, and coverless Bibles laying around your church?
When is the last time you saw a child reading their Bible on their own?
When is the last time you saw a child reading the Bible?
Do your lower elementary children know the books of the Bible by memory?
Can your upper elementary children look up a Bible verse without help or the table of contents?
Do you have any children who have marked up, underlined and well worn (from use) Bibles?
RE: YOU and the Bible
Do you read your Bible often? (outside of lesson preparation)
Do you use a real Bible when you teach? (other than as a prop you hold up)
Are your lessons birthed out of the Word, or out of a box or disc?
If all Bibles in America were banned and confiscated, but any electronic version or use was still allowed, would there be any noticeable change in your lessons and/or program?
Do you have a marked up, underlined and well worn (from use) Bible?
These questions are meant to stimulate thought, not guilt - though my asking gives away a serious concern I have with what I would call the growing Bibleless Trend in Children’s Ministry.
I travel to many churches as a guest speaker or trainer and am very often stunned by how little need there is for Bibles in most children’s ministries. I consider teaching with and out of a Bible to be the FUNDAMENTAL BASIS of my teaching. I use puppets, object lessons, media clips, illusions and you-name-it, I’ve used it, to creatively teach and engage children, but never as a replacement or substitute for teaching with and out of a Bible. ONLY THE BIBLE HAS GOD’S PROMISE OF EFFECTIVENESS. And yet, the Bible is a rare object in perhaps most children’s ministries today. This is a tragedy!
I have seen churches where none of the kids had Bibles, and when I tried to find some to pass out, or at least to use with 5-6 kids on stage for a Sword Drill - NONE COULD BE FOUND to use. Not in the well-equipped resource room, not in the library PACKED with books ABOUT the Bible, not even battered shameful looking Bibles on shelves in the back of the room. And this has happened over and over in churches around America.
Yes, the Bible is quoted in the PowerPoints, illustrated in the videos, taught through object lessons, acted out in puppet shows… but the Bible itself is mysteriously MIA in many churches! (Missing IN ACTION!)
I don’t care how attractive your ministry facility is, how innovative your program, how creative your teaching - if you are neglecting to teach kids the value of God’s Word by example (teaching with and from it) you ARE TEACHING THEM A LESSON: that the Bible really isn’t that important.
Kids learn by what they SEE - they need to see you teaching with and from an ACTUAL Bible. And the learn by what they DO - reading in and from an ACTUAL Bible.
If the only Bible they see are PowerPoint slides and cartoon re-enactments it is no wonder when they outgrow children’s ministry they outgrow the Bible too.
STEPS FOR ACTION: (If you are feeling even slightly convicted)
Start reading your own Bible regularly, outside of lesson prep. (If you don’t already) As it impacts your own life, you will have a passion to share its wisdom and insights and power with those you teach!
Teach with and from a Bible when you teach. You can even print your lesson plan on a half sheet and keep in the Bible so the children constantly see you picking up and looking into the Bible. Even if you are reading notes, the visual message is that the Bible is guiding your lesson.
Encourage kids to bring their Bible to church. Reward occasionally with a treat - not every week - but occasionally so they know that bringing the Bible is important.
HAVE KIDS USE THEIR BIBLES as part of your teaching. Don’t put every verse on the screen, just the reference or first half of the verse. Have them look it up. The awkward silence or pause in your “momentum” is worth it!
Have kids stand up and read passages for you. Have someone there with a microphone if you have a large group.
Do Sword Drills on the topic of your lesson. If you have a very large group, choose 8-10 kids to come on stage to participate. This not only gives them practical experience looking up verses it shows them that the Bible has a lot to say on the topic. You can give 4-5 sentence teaching moments after each verse read.
Give Bibles to visitors or any child who doesn’t own one. Personalize it with a message from you about the importance of this book.
Talk about things God taught you through the Word in your quiet time.
Encourage kids to ask you questions about the Bible as they read.
Provide reading plans or bookmarks to the children, reward progress as they read.
Make the Bible something you and the children USE, not something you talk ABOUT.
PRAY and ask God to give you creative ideas on how you can make the Bible more central to your teaching and programming.
If you have neglected the Bible in your passion to better reach and teach kids, don’t feel bad - but do something about it
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11
The best way to get God into the hearts of kids, is to get His Word into their hearts!
Is not my word like fire,” declares the LORD, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29
If you truly wants God power in your teaching - don’t just quote His Word - USE His Word!
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrews 4:12
We live in a day and age when there is no end to the new and innovative resources for children’s ministry (and that’s a good thing!) but it may just be the next best thing for your children’s ministry is to return to an emphasis on the Word of God - in practice - not just in word.
An apology for Awana
Dear Awana Parents and Leaders;
I humble myself before you and ask for your forgiveness. The Awards night is what I had prayed for, I delivered the message I believe God had for me to deliver. I know it made several uncomfortable and wondering what on earth is she doing? My focus should have been more child centered, but I knew that God wanted me to speak to the parents. I must be obedient to Him who loves all of us.
I did not mean to set fear in anyone, what I described was my own wonderings. That scripture in Luke 13:22 makes many wonder.
I know I am going to heaven, and I said "what if". Yes, we are saved by grace, but we are sanctified as well. In our sanctification we must have that relationship with Jesus too. It isn't are we good enough to get to heaven, it is the relationship with Him, do we know Him who saved us? Do we know that He loves us no matter what we have done and no matter what we have said?
I did not mean to make anyone uncomfortable, in any way mean to harm you or anyone else. My intent was to do what God had asked of me.
I love Jesus more than my own life, he has in over 24 years showed me a great deal and has opened His Word and teaching for me and my life. I have been called to teach your children. Did I always know I would do this, no. I was obedient in the things He has asked of me in my life and He gives us the desires of our hearts.
You can be sure that your child is taught well, they know their Bibles and they are learning scripture.
I humble myself before you and ask for your forgiveness. The Awards night is what I had prayed for, I delivered the message I believe God had for me to deliver. I know it made several uncomfortable and wondering what on earth is she doing? My focus should have been more child centered, but I knew that God wanted me to speak to the parents. I must be obedient to Him who loves all of us.
I did not mean to set fear in anyone, what I described was my own wonderings. That scripture in Luke 13:22 makes many wonder.
I know I am going to heaven, and I said "what if". Yes, we are saved by grace, but we are sanctified as well. In our sanctification we must have that relationship with Jesus too. It isn't are we good enough to get to heaven, it is the relationship with Him, do we know Him who saved us? Do we know that He loves us no matter what we have done and no matter what we have said?
I did not mean to make anyone uncomfortable, in any way mean to harm you or anyone else. My intent was to do what God had asked of me.
I love Jesus more than my own life, he has in over 24 years showed me a great deal and has opened His Word and teaching for me and my life. I have been called to teach your children. Did I always know I would do this, no. I was obedient in the things He has asked of me in my life and He gives us the desires of our hearts.
You can be sure that your child is taught well, they know their Bibles and they are learning scripture.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Have you ever...
Have you ever wondered what it would be like without love in our lives?
Have you ever wondered what it might possibly have been like to be a disciple or to be a missionary in a place that doesn't really want you but you knew that God placed you there for a reason?
Have you ever been persecuted for what you believe? At work or at school?
Have you ever wondered what it must be like to be in a place that wants to know Jesus but something gets in the way?
Have you ever been lonely and felt like the whole world was against just you?
That no matter what you have done in the past that was good never was good enough or maybe not one person said, man you have messed up?
Have you ever known a love so deep that it makes your insides ache because you desire more of that feeling of being loved?
Have you ever been to the bottom of the pit and couldn't see a way up?
I have...
I have been to the bottom of the pit only to see Jesus' hand to bring me out. I remembered a memory verse I had learned, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made, before my mom even knew me, I was created for God." (some of this I added but most is scripture)
I have known a love so deep that it ached, when I gave my life to Jesus, I was so on fire for the Lord that I wanted more, I wanted to know more and to grow more.
A song that comes to my mind many times is by FFH (Far From Home)"Lord move or move me - I can't find the words to pray ... Can you hear me anyway... move in the way that I have never seen before, there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door, Lord move in the way that I've never seen before. Lord I know the only way is through this, Lord I need you to help me through this. Lord move in the way that I have never seen before, I am moving away, the waves are crashing on the door. So move or move me. Out of this place of complacency, Lord I am weak and you are so strong.
You can find this on YouTube. This is a song that comes to my mind many times when I face challenges that I know I can't work in on my own.
My hopes and my dreams for the children's ministry is so vast but it isn't on my own that I work. God moves, my teachers are awesome too! They do such a fantastic job teaching God's Word and teaching the lesson. I have stepped into their shoes and have found that I appreciate them so much more. Our Awana leaders, man, you could not ask for more dedicated, loving, wonderfully committed leaders! We have been truly blessed by what God is doing here.
So, Lord Move in the Way that I have never seen before.
Have you ever wondered what it might possibly have been like to be a disciple or to be a missionary in a place that doesn't really want you but you knew that God placed you there for a reason?
Have you ever been persecuted for what you believe? At work or at school?
Have you ever wondered what it must be like to be in a place that wants to know Jesus but something gets in the way?
Have you ever been lonely and felt like the whole world was against just you?
That no matter what you have done in the past that was good never was good enough or maybe not one person said, man you have messed up?
Have you ever known a love so deep that it makes your insides ache because you desire more of that feeling of being loved?
Have you ever been to the bottom of the pit and couldn't see a way up?
I have...
I have been to the bottom of the pit only to see Jesus' hand to bring me out. I remembered a memory verse I had learned, "I am fearfully and wonderfully made, before my mom even knew me, I was created for God." (some of this I added but most is scripture)
I have known a love so deep that it ached, when I gave my life to Jesus, I was so on fire for the Lord that I wanted more, I wanted to know more and to grow more.
A song that comes to my mind many times is by FFH (Far From Home)"Lord move or move me - I can't find the words to pray ... Can you hear me anyway... move in the way that I have never seen before, there's a mountain in the way and a lock on the door, Lord move in the way that I've never seen before. Lord I know the only way is through this, Lord I need you to help me through this. Lord move in the way that I have never seen before, I am moving away, the waves are crashing on the door. So move or move me. Out of this place of complacency, Lord I am weak and you are so strong.
You can find this on YouTube. This is a song that comes to my mind many times when I face challenges that I know I can't work in on my own.
My hopes and my dreams for the children's ministry is so vast but it isn't on my own that I work. God moves, my teachers are awesome too! They do such a fantastic job teaching God's Word and teaching the lesson. I have stepped into their shoes and have found that I appreciate them so much more. Our Awana leaders, man, you could not ask for more dedicated, loving, wonderfully committed leaders! We have been truly blessed by what God is doing here.
So, Lord Move in the Way that I have never seen before.
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