This is going to be a good week. We have recently come off a series of good weeks so I am hoping for the streak to continue. June has been a busy and productive time.
The first week we spent just wallowing in the summer concept with the schedule etc. (See previous post about schedule :) )
Week two Judah went to China but the kids and I spent a week doing VBS preparation. Much to the children's delight we went to the building daily so they could run around with the other children of the decorating folks. I got the pleasure of decorating a hallway to look life a rain forest jungle. I am quite over rolling paper into vines and the colors green and brown, which is sad because they are good colors.
The third week was VBS itself and much fun was had by all. I was promoted to five year olds from four year olds this year so I spent my days counting to nine, with the goal of not losing or having injury coming to anyone from the time of 8:30 until they got in their car around 12. Success!
For the fourth week we drove to the beach for fun in the sun with grandparents and cousins and aunts/uncles. The sad part is that I wore a two piece bathing suit for a week and my back is still horribly pale. I used to possess the ability to get a tan, but I guess I have not exposed my midriff in so long it has forgotten how to absorb the sun, those darn tankinis are to blame.
As June comes to a close we are counting the days until dad's return and looking forward to his being home with us for a while, ten days anyway. Stupid China. But he will be home this week so it is a good week. (On a side note, Judah has a birthday soon and our daughter was informing some of our college students that they could buy him a present "He likes sharp things" - HA! He now has his youngest child soliciting gifts for him :) )
Wishing you all a good week as June comes to a close...
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A Man on Vacation
Judah is apparently blocked from the blog during this trip to China. He has sent the following story from a recent podcast for me to post on his behalf. I found it quite thought provoking...
A man decided to go on a long trip one summer. Since he was going to be gone for so long, he decided to have one of his good friends watch his house while he was gone. The man wrote down instructions for watering plants, when to cut the grass, where the weed killer was and how to use it, how to work the air conditioner, how to run the dish washer, explained where the vacuum cleaner was, and various other instructions on how to keep the house in order.
The day finally came for the man to leave for the long vacation. When his friend showed up, the man handed him the instructions, showed him around the house, and said that the instructions would help him in taking care of the house. The friend agreed, and wished him on his way.
Some time later, the man returned from his vacation. When he got home, the first thing he noticed was that the yard was over grown. He thought this was strange, since one of the instructions he specifically mentioned was how to start and run the lawnmower. He got inside, and much to his surprise, noticed the house was a complete wreck. Dishes were all over the kitchen. Plants were dead. The carpet was disgusting - covered with stains, foot prints, and moldy food. The home was a complete mess!
He finally found his friend in the back yard, sitting on the deck enjoying a nice glass of tea, reading a book. The man asked his friend, “What happened here? Did you not read my instructions for taking care of my place?”
His friend responded, “Oh, yes. I did read the instructions. I read them over and over. I even highlighted parts that I thought were very important. You did a really good job on writing them, by the way.” He handed him the instructions, and the man could tell that they had been read thoroughly, with some points highlighted, underlined, and even notes that were written about some of the instructions.
“But my house is a wreck! You have done nothing that I have asked!” the man said, exasperated.
“But, I read your instructions, over and over. I even selected some as very important, and even put them to memory!” the friend responded.
The man was so angry. His house was a disaster. He turned to his friend and said, “Depart from me. I do not know who you are.”
The story is a reflection of our lives as Christians. God calls us to do more than know His Word. There is more to a life of Christianity than knowing verses out of the bible, memorizing key scriptures, or just plain reading the bible on a regular basis. We must take care of what God has entrusted us to. For each of us, it is different, but the bible is still applicable, no matter to what God has called us. We can not just sit around, reading the bible. Our lives must reflect a life that God would be proud of.
What is it that you have been entrusted with? What is it in your life that God has felt you can take care of? If He were come check on it, what would He find?
A man decided to go on a long trip one summer. Since he was going to be gone for so long, he decided to have one of his good friends watch his house while he was gone. The man wrote down instructions for watering plants, when to cut the grass, where the weed killer was and how to use it, how to work the air conditioner, how to run the dish washer, explained where the vacuum cleaner was, and various other instructions on how to keep the house in order.
The day finally came for the man to leave for the long vacation. When his friend showed up, the man handed him the instructions, showed him around the house, and said that the instructions would help him in taking care of the house. The friend agreed, and wished him on his way.
Some time later, the man returned from his vacation. When he got home, the first thing he noticed was that the yard was over grown. He thought this was strange, since one of the instructions he specifically mentioned was how to start and run the lawnmower. He got inside, and much to his surprise, noticed the house was a complete wreck. Dishes were all over the kitchen. Plants were dead. The carpet was disgusting - covered with stains, foot prints, and moldy food. The home was a complete mess!
He finally found his friend in the back yard, sitting on the deck enjoying a nice glass of tea, reading a book. The man asked his friend, “What happened here? Did you not read my instructions for taking care of my place?”
His friend responded, “Oh, yes. I did read the instructions. I read them over and over. I even highlighted parts that I thought were very important. You did a really good job on writing them, by the way.” He handed him the instructions, and the man could tell that they had been read thoroughly, with some points highlighted, underlined, and even notes that were written about some of the instructions.
“But my house is a wreck! You have done nothing that I have asked!” the man said, exasperated.
“But, I read your instructions, over and over. I even selected some as very important, and even put them to memory!” the friend responded.
The man was so angry. His house was a disaster. He turned to his friend and said, “Depart from me. I do not know who you are.”
The story is a reflection of our lives as Christians. God calls us to do more than know His Word. There is more to a life of Christianity than knowing verses out of the bible, memorizing key scriptures, or just plain reading the bible on a regular basis. We must take care of what God has entrusted us to. For each of us, it is different, but the bible is still applicable, no matter to what God has called us. We can not just sit around, reading the bible. Our lives must reflect a life that God would be proud of.
What is it that you have been entrusted with? What is it in your life that God has felt you can take care of? If He were come check on it, what would He find?
Friday, June 5, 2009
* Daily Schedule
School is out for the summer, friends have come and gone. Suddenly the kids and I wake to find ourselves with days without purpose. An endless stretch of days answering the question "What are we going to do today?" seemed like a forgone conclusion. Not wanting to get to the end of the summer and wonder what we did with our free time, and definitely not wanting to answer the question everyday, the kids and I sat down at the table last week and made a schedule. A concept I dredged up from childhood - see previous references to my parents being list makers. Might I also say that they love schedules. My mom was particularly good at making schedules of things for my sister and I to do during the summer - many of them sounding like "clean the bathroom counter at ten o'clock." She was also a big believer in calling at nine o'clock to make sure we were up. Not wanting us to waste our day. Teenage memories of sleeping to eleven do not exist for me. She will be happy to know that her son-in-law now calls us daily around nine o'clock, knowing that the kids are up I guess he wants to make sure I am participating in their day as well :)
Not to pick on my inherited list making traits. They are well entrenched now, and most decidedly apparent in my children. Making the schedule was an entertaining process. First we made a list of things that we wanted on the schedule. My son was sure that TV, computer time, and food were needed. My daughter was sure that crafts were essential (I can't tell you how many art supplies she can use up in a sitting). Mom felt that nap and chores were also needed. I previously mentioned wanting to be more intentional about devotionals so I put that on the list too. My health conscious son then decided that a daily walk would be good for us all. It then occurred to me that as a home school mom I should ensure some focused learning-ish activity. Since my daughter has not been to preschool, and likely won't be due to budget constraints I should think about her learning something sometime too. :) So with this massive amount of stuff we made the following schedule:
8:00 TV time
9:00 Breakfast
9:30 Bible Time
10:00 Crafts
11:00 Walk
11:30 Lunch
12:30Learning
2:00 Nap (youngest)/Independent Reading (eldest)
3:00 Chores (eldest)
4:00 TV/Computer time/Snack
5:00 Wait for dad to come home...........
The blanks are free time, because I can promise we do not do learning for 90 minutes:) This schedule is quite full, but has given the little ones a sense of peace. It is posted on the fridge and they can run to it at any time to see what is next. It has helped me avoid several questions of "what can we do now?" Do we follow it every day - goodness no. But we have followed it often enough. I learned today that I can make it fluid as well without causing a panic to my scheduled son. The Bible, craft and learning were all done in one big blob. He had to write out some verses which we labeled 'handwriting' for the learning part, the verses are obviously the Bible part. We then cut some of them up into "puzzles" for crafts. I got out of the walk due to the wet, but it is getting on towards lunch time so I must move to the kitchen, because it is on the schedule after all.
Not to pick on my inherited list making traits. They are well entrenched now, and most decidedly apparent in my children. Making the schedule was an entertaining process. First we made a list of things that we wanted on the schedule. My son was sure that TV, computer time, and food were needed. My daughter was sure that crafts were essential (I can't tell you how many art supplies she can use up in a sitting). Mom felt that nap and chores were also needed. I previously mentioned wanting to be more intentional about devotionals so I put that on the list too. My health conscious son then decided that a daily walk would be good for us all. It then occurred to me that as a home school mom I should ensure some focused learning-ish activity. Since my daughter has not been to preschool, and likely won't be due to budget constraints I should think about her learning something sometime too. :) So with this massive amount of stuff we made the following schedule:
8:00 TV time
9:00 Breakfast
9:30 Bible Time
10:00 Crafts
11:00 Walk
11:30 Lunch
12:30Learning
2:00 Nap (youngest)/Independent Reading (eldest)
3:00 Chores (eldest)
4:00 TV/Computer time/Snack
5:00 Wait for dad to come home...........
The blanks are free time, because I can promise we do not do learning for 90 minutes:) This schedule is quite full, but has given the little ones a sense of peace. It is posted on the fridge and they can run to it at any time to see what is next. It has helped me avoid several questions of "what can we do now?" Do we follow it every day - goodness no. But we have followed it often enough. I learned today that I can make it fluid as well without causing a panic to my scheduled son. The Bible, craft and learning were all done in one big blob. He had to write out some verses which we labeled 'handwriting' for the learning part, the verses are obviously the Bible part. We then cut some of them up into "puzzles" for crafts. I got out of the walk due to the wet, but it is getting on towards lunch time so I must move to the kitchen, because it is on the schedule after all.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Summer Activities
Summer has brought on some new responsibilities for Michelle and myself this year. Recently, we officially were charged with leading the college ministry at Farragut. Since the college kids are back home for the summer, we have begun filling our calendar with all kinds of events.
A little bit of background on my belief, before getting into the specifics of what we will be doing throughout the summer.
A few years ago I started focusing on why a lot of high school kids "drop out" of church once they graduate. It was something that really puzzled me. I would witness teens raised in strong Christian based homes, walk away from church almost as soon as they were off to college. The statistics are astounding: almost 90% of high school graduates stop going to church within a year of graduating high school. This really bothered me. How can we (the church) keep these teens/young adults interested in church?
After a long period of research, it seems the common denominator is involvement. From what I understand, this period (teen to adult) needs to feel needed, busy, involved. In general, young adults no longer want to be fed (classes on Sundays, tailored for them). However, they still need someone to create the activities, and just have them show up. They want to do things, they just don't want to exert the energy to organize it.
The group that Michelle and I have been charged with are a great group of young adults that love to serve. It makes our job a lot easier, because they are such good kids (college aged :)).
Activities
Our primary activity this year has been working with the inner city church, Central CoC in Knoxville. We take a group of college aged every week to work with the kids and teenagers associated with the church there, as well as, the surrounding area. Mostly, the college aged just play and hang out with the kids. But they also teach bible classes periodically, lead games, clean around the building, etc. Whatever is needed, that is what will be done.
The college aged are also heavily involved in our Kidzone production on Sunday mornings. Kidzone is our way of doing Sunday bible school. We have a Family Production time for about 30 minutes (picture a "Carol Burnett Show type of production, with hosts, skits, music, sound effects, etc.), small groups, and children's worship during our normal worship. We have college aged that participate in all aspects of these elements, from actors, to technology operators. The amazing thing, is watching the young children interact with the college aged. 3rd and 4th graders tend to be "too cool" for a lot of the things associated with Kidzone, but the college aged have really helped with showing them to listen, be involved, and not be distracting to others. The college aged are some of our based role models for our kids.
On Sunday mornings, Michelle and I teach a class for the college aged as well. This is a brief, 20 - 25 minute class, that we have simply labeled, "What is the Best Question Ever?" We decided to drop the, "different topic every week" approach, and focus on one thing for the entire summer. In this class we look at what is the wise thing to do in all kinds of different scenarios. In a lot of situations, it is going to be different for each individual. This is where the really good discussions start kicking in. This question (what is the wise thing to do?) is also how I usually approach each of them when they are asking for advice. The point, is keep the focus on doing what God says, in all situations.
Sunday nights also find us doing a book study. We created this book study for multiple reasons. One, they all like books. It helps to build responsibility, because they each had to go find the book, purchase it, read it, and bring it with them. And finally it is an environment where they can feel comfortable inviting their friends. I have also taking the liberty of using this time for some of them to lead the group through the night's discussion. It is just another way of helping them with their leadership skills.
Our current book is "Radical Reformission", by Mark Driscoll. This is an excellent book that discusses showing Jesus to others from many different perspectives. I highly recommend this book.
Farragut does a lot of things really well. One of these things is VBS. If you have never been to VBS at Farragut, you are missing out. You can find out more about our congregation at www.farragutchurch.org. Our college aged are fully involved with VBS, doing everything from teaching sessions, to leading kids through out the day, serving snacks, running technology, acting etc. Again, they absolutely love serving and working.
Finally, Michelle and I host the college kids at our house once a month. In this setting we serve them. We cook for them. We provide activities for them. It is our way of showing how special they are to us. This setting has been such a comfortable setting for many of them, that they have invited their friends to it. These friends have stayed, and have become a part of the college ministry at Farragut. Many of our college aged have become so comfortable in this setting, they have just hung out watching TV, while Michelle and go to bed!
Late teens to early 20s is a very difficult time in a person's life. We want to be treated like adults, but still hold on to our youth. We want to be treated responsibly, but still desire to have someone plan for us. We want to lead, teach, and do, but still need to be taught, and have opportunities for just fellowship. This is a period where we start dating, and looking for life time mates. And yet, we look to our mentors for advice on how to get a date. We struggle with our identities, while trying to show everyone we are unique. It is a very trying time. This is all the more reason for those of us "more mature" in the faith (or more experienced in life) to be patient with this very particular group of individuals. We must engage them, not wait on them to volunteer. It is our responsibility to keep them active, as they go through this period of life. It is our responsibility to live a life that shows Jesus. We must be accepting of their differences, while not condoning activities that go against God's will.
How about you? What is your experience with the college aged? What was your experience when you were this age?
A little bit of background on my belief, before getting into the specifics of what we will be doing throughout the summer.
A few years ago I started focusing on why a lot of high school kids "drop out" of church once they graduate. It was something that really puzzled me. I would witness teens raised in strong Christian based homes, walk away from church almost as soon as they were off to college. The statistics are astounding: almost 90% of high school graduates stop going to church within a year of graduating high school. This really bothered me. How can we (the church) keep these teens/young adults interested in church?
After a long period of research, it seems the common denominator is involvement. From what I understand, this period (teen to adult) needs to feel needed, busy, involved. In general, young adults no longer want to be fed (classes on Sundays, tailored for them). However, they still need someone to create the activities, and just have them show up. They want to do things, they just don't want to exert the energy to organize it.
The group that Michelle and I have been charged with are a great group of young adults that love to serve. It makes our job a lot easier, because they are such good kids (college aged :)).
Activities
Our primary activity this year has been working with the inner city church, Central CoC in Knoxville. We take a group of college aged every week to work with the kids and teenagers associated with the church there, as well as, the surrounding area. Mostly, the college aged just play and hang out with the kids. But they also teach bible classes periodically, lead games, clean around the building, etc. Whatever is needed, that is what will be done.
The college aged are also heavily involved in our Kidzone production on Sunday mornings. Kidzone is our way of doing Sunday bible school. We have a Family Production time for about 30 minutes (picture a "Carol Burnett Show type of production, with hosts, skits, music, sound effects, etc.), small groups, and children's worship during our normal worship. We have college aged that participate in all aspects of these elements, from actors, to technology operators. The amazing thing, is watching the young children interact with the college aged. 3rd and 4th graders tend to be "too cool" for a lot of the things associated with Kidzone, but the college aged have really helped with showing them to listen, be involved, and not be distracting to others. The college aged are some of our based role models for our kids.
On Sunday mornings, Michelle and I teach a class for the college aged as well. This is a brief, 20 - 25 minute class, that we have simply labeled, "What is the Best Question Ever?" We decided to drop the, "different topic every week" approach, and focus on one thing for the entire summer. In this class we look at what is the wise thing to do in all kinds of different scenarios. In a lot of situations, it is going to be different for each individual. This is where the really good discussions start kicking in. This question (what is the wise thing to do?) is also how I usually approach each of them when they are asking for advice. The point, is keep the focus on doing what God says, in all situations.
Sunday nights also find us doing a book study. We created this book study for multiple reasons. One, they all like books. It helps to build responsibility, because they each had to go find the book, purchase it, read it, and bring it with them. And finally it is an environment where they can feel comfortable inviting their friends. I have also taking the liberty of using this time for some of them to lead the group through the night's discussion. It is just another way of helping them with their leadership skills.
Our current book is "Radical Reformission", by Mark Driscoll. This is an excellent book that discusses showing Jesus to others from many different perspectives. I highly recommend this book.
Farragut does a lot of things really well. One of these things is VBS. If you have never been to VBS at Farragut, you are missing out. You can find out more about our congregation at www.farragutchurch.org. Our college aged are fully involved with VBS, doing everything from teaching sessions, to leading kids through out the day, serving snacks, running technology, acting etc. Again, they absolutely love serving and working.
Finally, Michelle and I host the college kids at our house once a month. In this setting we serve them. We cook for them. We provide activities for them. It is our way of showing how special they are to us. This setting has been such a comfortable setting for many of them, that they have invited their friends to it. These friends have stayed, and have become a part of the college ministry at Farragut. Many of our college aged have become so comfortable in this setting, they have just hung out watching TV, while Michelle and go to bed!
Late teens to early 20s is a very difficult time in a person's life. We want to be treated like adults, but still hold on to our youth. We want to be treated responsibly, but still desire to have someone plan for us. We want to lead, teach, and do, but still need to be taught, and have opportunities for just fellowship. This is a period where we start dating, and looking for life time mates. And yet, we look to our mentors for advice on how to get a date. We struggle with our identities, while trying to show everyone we are unique. It is a very trying time. This is all the more reason for those of us "more mature" in the faith (or more experienced in life) to be patient with this very particular group of individuals. We must engage them, not wait on them to volunteer. It is our responsibility to keep them active, as they go through this period of life. It is our responsibility to live a life that shows Jesus. We must be accepting of their differences, while not condoning activities that go against God's will.
How about you? What is your experience with the college aged? What was your experience when you were this age?
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