2008 VBS

We are starting to prepare for VBS this year. A challenge since we write our own. This year we are going to be focusing on the basics of the Bible and take the kids down the Golden Road of God's Truth. It will be so exciting, but how do you narrow or determine what we want to communicate with the kids in 5 days? We have 5 days to cover 5 basic Bible Truths.

For preschool, we'll be focusing on: Day 1: The Bible says: God made me! Day 2: The Bible says: God tells us how to behave. Day 3: The Bible says: God loves us. Day 4: The Bible says: God saved us. Day 5: The Bible says: God wants us to share His story.

What a privilege to pass on this good news.

Waiting

Waiting! From birth, waiting is a part of life. Waiting for a bottle, waiting for recess, waiting for graduation, waiting for a job, marriage, home, children, on, and on, and on. We always seem to be waiting, and we hate it. Why? Just a thought, but if waiting is such a part of life, shouldn't we embrace waiting and see what we can learn from it?
Jesus spent His earthly life waiting for the cross. Was that easy? I'm thinking not, but He didn't use that as an excuse. He embraced waiting as a change to minister to other "waiters." He marched through life giving love, grace, and wisdom, all while waiting. He didn't let waiting hold Him; He used waiting as time to minister.
So, while you're waiting, either in a store line or for your mate, use the time to love, minister, and live!

Why?

"Why?" A questions that you hear often when you're around kiddos. "Why?" The perpetual "why?" question can wear parents, grandparents, and teachers out. When you think about it, adults ask "why?" too. We may not verbalize it like children do, but we question just the same. Why is there pain? Why did this have to happen? Why does this person (or even yourself) have to suffer?

Children ask the "why?"question to adults. Who do you ask "why?" to? Jesus has promised that He'll never leave us or forsake us. He has given us His Holy Spirit to intercede for us before God. He knows our situation and knows the answer before we can ask the questions. He is "I am." He is and has the answer to the "whys" of life. Next time a child asks you "why?" Take a breath. Answer as best as you can. If need be, bring the question to Jesus with them. You can teach them to bring all their "whys?" to their Heavenly Father. Who do you ask "why?" to?

Kids and phones

I love to chat with my nieces and nephews on the phone. My questions are usually answered with "uh huh." Sometimes they don't say a word, and I wonder if the phone was put down. The best part is when I hear this "it's my turn to talk." Kid's voices bring such joy!