Well, I'm back after a 6 month hiatus! I didn't intend on taking that long of a break, but I did. The end of my summer seemed to bring lots of exciting adventures that I just didn't have time to stop and blog about it. Then I went back to work in August and since then it seems life has been quite the whirlwind, but I must say I'm lovin every minute of it!!
I 'm finally getting to blog because we are kind of stuck indoors today due to the nice ice storm that came to visit! :) I must say I love days like this because.... I stay in my pajamas all day, I lay around and eat junk/ comfort food, I have my family with me ALL day, and I get to do a few things that I want to do!! Also, the school I work at is on late schedule tomorrow. YIPPIE!!!! Although, this does not mean sleeping in for me. I really don't remember what that's like because I have a one year old who seems to think he needs to wake up between 5:30-6am everyday!! This works out great on work days, but not so much on the weekends. Oh well, on the positive side, I've learned I get SO much more done between 6am - 9am, than any other part of the day AND coffee is my friend! I keep telling myself to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride because I know one day I'll look back on these years and realize how fast they went.
Well, around our house, we're in high gear for Christmas! The decorations are out, the gifts are bought, (well, for the most part), and our hearts are focused on the real reason to celebrate, Jesus Christ! I must admit, with all of the commercialism of Christmas, it can be difficult at times to keep our homes focused on the true meaning of Christmas. Now that I have a son, I've also been thinking about how to nurture him in God's Word and in understanding the real meaning of Christmas. I realize that my life and example will ultimately demonstrate this truth to him. Obviously, a child's understanding of God always starts in the home. So, I've been more mindful of how does my life reflect what I SAY I believe about God. Especially here at Christmas, I'm taking a step back, knowing what I believe about Jesus Christ, (his birth, death, and resurrection), but does what I believe reflect in the way I live my life. Because I do NOT want to be a Christian who says all the RIGHT things to my son but never show him that I believe it with my life. So through prayer, I'm surrendering to God. It would be real easy for me to come up with a bunch of "things" to "do" to feel like I've accomplished this task. But, I know it's not about me and that I'm only human and that I can be a self-seeking, sinful human being at times. So, I continue to give it to God, read His Word, and follow His lead. So, for now we're keeping it simple!
So, now that you know what I've been thinking on lately, I have more to update on but just don't have the time tonight to get it done. SO, hopefully, I'll post later this week on happenings around here and how my sweet boy is almost 14 months old!!!! So crazy!
Anyway, be blessed and keep Jesus the real meaning of YOUR Christmas!!!!!
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ministry. Show all posts
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Check this out
I just came across this you tube video on another blog this week about the book, Kisses from Katie. I had seen the book at the store but I never actually knew what it was about. I now have to read the book.... what an amazing
young lady!
young lady!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Renewanation
Last Tuesday night, I attended a benefit banquet with the staff from my school. The banquet was for an organization call RENEWANATION and included area Christian schools, churches, businesses that have supported them. This organization was birthed out of a pastor's heart to see every child in America be offered a Christian based education. Their mission is to secure a bright future for America and the world by instilling a Christian worldview in the hearts and minds of children.
Ok, so I must admit I really wasn't looking forward to going last week. Actually, I was looking forward to the dinner part. The banquet was held at the Hotel Roanoke and I knew I would at least enjoy a nice dinner. I know, that sounds awful, but it's the truth. Lately, my weeknights at home have been few and far between and I felt like this was just "one more" thing added to list of places to be. Well, I must say, I am so thankful I went and when I left I felt refreshed, encouraged, and sensed God speaking to my heart. And an added bonus, my school was one of three in our area to receive a $10,000 grant. What a HUGE blessing!
The speaker for the evening was Dr. Jeff Meyers from Summit Ministries in Colorado. Wow, did he have a powerful message. He challenged us, as Christian educators and parents, to not sit on the 'sidelines" and continue to allow the world to take control of the minds of our children and youth. He reminded us of how important it is to take every situation to teach our children to have a Biblical worldview. He referenced Deuteronomy chapter 6, specifically verse 7-9 ... You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
He gave a really neat example of this. As a researcher, he had done tests on the effects of video games and the brain. So, he said he came home from work and told his children that they wouldn't be playing video games for awhile. Of course, his kids quickly tried to convince him that there was a "new" kind of game system that kept the body active while playing. Their example was playing tennis... so he said okay, you want to play tennis, then get in the car. He took them to play tennis. Then he said they continued to push and said they could also act out bowling on this game system. He said, ok, you want to bowl.... then get in the car. He ended up taking them bowling. Finally, his kids told him that they actually liked to play the "shut 'em up" games. He said, ok...... get in the car. LOL! He took them to buy airsoft guns and they played in their backyard that evening. His point was that as he was playing with his children, he was also teaching them, spending time with them, using the situations to talk about God. One morning as he was coming downstairs for breakfast, he said he could hear his children discussing "deep theological" issues like Clifford. You know.... the big Red Dog! lol Their discussion was whether Clifford really loved God or not. So as he was listening, his three year old said... "I don't think he loves God because he never talks about him." This really made me think. A biblical worldview does not just happen by chance or just by going to church.... it starts in the home and then filters out into other influences... school, church, etc. Because their father spent time playing with them and while playing, talked about God... he was instilling a Christian worldview in their hearts and minds.
Eventhough I'm not a parent, God has called me to be a teacher. I pray that I am instilling in my students a christian world view and that I'm taking every opportunity to teach them about God... not just during our Bible lesson but in every part of our day.
A challenge to you.... are you taking every opportunity to develop a Biblical worldview in the lives of the children in your life?!
I encourage you to check out the renewanation website.
Have a blessed week!!
Ok, so I must admit I really wasn't looking forward to going last week. Actually, I was looking forward to the dinner part. The banquet was held at the Hotel Roanoke and I knew I would at least enjoy a nice dinner. I know, that sounds awful, but it's the truth. Lately, my weeknights at home have been few and far between and I felt like this was just "one more" thing added to list of places to be. Well, I must say, I am so thankful I went and when I left I felt refreshed, encouraged, and sensed God speaking to my heart. And an added bonus, my school was one of three in our area to receive a $10,000 grant. What a HUGE blessing!
The speaker for the evening was Dr. Jeff Meyers from Summit Ministries in Colorado. Wow, did he have a powerful message. He challenged us, as Christian educators and parents, to not sit on the 'sidelines" and continue to allow the world to take control of the minds of our children and youth. He reminded us of how important it is to take every situation to teach our children to have a Biblical worldview. He referenced Deuteronomy chapter 6, specifically verse 7-9 ... You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
He gave a really neat example of this. As a researcher, he had done tests on the effects of video games and the brain. So, he said he came home from work and told his children that they wouldn't be playing video games for awhile. Of course, his kids quickly tried to convince him that there was a "new" kind of game system that kept the body active while playing. Their example was playing tennis... so he said okay, you want to play tennis, then get in the car. He took them to play tennis. Then he said they continued to push and said they could also act out bowling on this game system. He said, ok, you want to bowl.... then get in the car. He ended up taking them bowling. Finally, his kids told him that they actually liked to play the "shut 'em up" games. He said, ok...... get in the car. LOL! He took them to buy airsoft guns and they played in their backyard that evening. His point was that as he was playing with his children, he was also teaching them, spending time with them, using the situations to talk about God. One morning as he was coming downstairs for breakfast, he said he could hear his children discussing "deep theological" issues like Clifford. You know.... the big Red Dog! lol Their discussion was whether Clifford really loved God or not. So as he was listening, his three year old said... "I don't think he loves God because he never talks about him." This really made me think. A biblical worldview does not just happen by chance or just by going to church.... it starts in the home and then filters out into other influences... school, church, etc. Because their father spent time playing with them and while playing, talked about God... he was instilling a Christian worldview in their hearts and minds.
Eventhough I'm not a parent, God has called me to be a teacher. I pray that I am instilling in my students a christian world view and that I'm taking every opportunity to teach them about God... not just during our Bible lesson but in every part of our day.
A challenge to you.... are you taking every opportunity to develop a Biblical worldview in the lives of the children in your life?!
I encourage you to check out the renewanation website.
Have a blessed week!!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
My Amazing Husband
Since this is Valentine's week and because I want to share this with you, about two weeks ago my husband had the privilege of being ordained at our church. It was an amazing, and humbling experience for him and I can't tell you how proud of him I am!
Since we've been married (10 years), he has been involved in ministry in some way. He's been paid staff for about 7 of those years. I must tell you that when we met in college, it was his heart for ministry and serving God that was so attractive to me. Of course his looks also helped in that as well !!;) I can't express into words how over these past years he has lead us and been sensitive to God's voice in many tough situations. I'm so thankful to where God has taken my husband and I'm looking forward to many more amazing things God is going to do with him. And, I'm excited that God allowed me to join him on this journey. God is faithful.
Trevor's grandmother
Our church staff
Trevor's extended family
Mary Ann's parents
Since we've been married (10 years), he has been involved in ministry in some way. He's been paid staff for about 7 of those years. I must tell you that when we met in college, it was his heart for ministry and serving God that was so attractive to me. Of course his looks also helped in that as well !!;) I can't express into words how over these past years he has lead us and been sensitive to God's voice in many tough situations. I'm so thankful to where God has taken my husband and I'm looking forward to many more amazing things God is going to do with him. And, I'm excited that God allowed me to join him on this journey. God is faithful.
Trevor's parents
We were so blessed to have family be with us for this special occasion.
Now we're looking forward to the future for what God has in store!
Have a blessed week!
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Operation Christmas Child
One of the highlights of my Christmas season has become helping out with Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan's Purse run by Franklin Graham. For those of you who do not know, the ministry sends shoe boxes filled with gifts for children around the world, in order to proclaim the message of Jesus Christ.
For the second year in a row, I was able to be a part of a team from my church to travel to Charlotte, NC, and help in one of the warehouses where all of the preparation happens before the boxes are shipped. It is amazing to see all of the volunteers and workers.
My description of it is like this..."Santa's Workshop".
It was very organized with a leader at each station. We were set up in an assembly line. Each person had a job they were responsible for and then passed the box to the next person. The last person loaded the shoe boxes in large packing boxes and sent them off to be shipped.
As I was taking a break, I had to take a picture of what I found in the restroom.... scary I know... but no one saw me take this picture....
Ok, so you know all of those hand soaps and lotions that were put in the shoe boxes .... you guessed it.... they put them in the bathrooms to be used for the workers. Let this be a lesson to those of you who do not read the instructions about what to place in the boxes. Anything liquid can not be shipped, even if it's in a plastic bag! Therefore, it is taken out of the boxes and replaced with a "filler" and either used at the warehouse or sent to a local homeless shelter or ministry. But, it is kind of funny walking into the restroom to find a plethora of soaps and lotions... needless to say, I took a little longer in the restroom trying to decide which soap and which lotion I would use..... I can have a difficult time making a decision... especially with so many choices!!!! As it's hard to see in the picture, the counter top wraps around the other wall with many more lotions and soaps!!
Here are all of the countries the boxes from this center were going....
My description of it is like this..."Santa's Workshop".
Here is the group from my church working...
Here is my hubby... he was placed at a different station. I guess his "muscles" were needed more somewhere else!
As I was taking a break, I had to take a picture of what I found in the restroom.... scary I know... but no one saw me take this picture....
Ok, so you know all of those hand soaps and lotions that were put in the shoe boxes .... you guessed it.... they put them in the bathrooms to be used for the workers. Let this be a lesson to those of you who do not read the instructions about what to place in the boxes. Anything liquid can not be shipped, even if it's in a plastic bag! Therefore, it is taken out of the boxes and replaced with a "filler" and either used at the warehouse or sent to a local homeless shelter or ministry. But, it is kind of funny walking into the restroom to find a plethora of soaps and lotions... needless to say, I took a little longer in the restroom trying to decide which soap and which lotion I would use..... I can have a difficult time making a decision... especially with so many choices!!!! As it's hard to see in the picture, the counter top wraps around the other wall with many more lotions and soaps!!
Here are all of the countries the boxes from this center were going....
Needless to say, we had an amazing day. I was so blessed to be a part of such an awesome ministry... even if it was just a little part.
If you are interested in knowing more about Operation Christmas Child... check out this website:
operationchristmaschild.org
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