One of the things that gets put on the back burner so often for me is the need to stay connected with other parents/families. Fortunately, we had a family outing activity planned the first of November that allowed members and guests the opportunity to fellowship and connect with each other. We had a super time and spent around 4 hours enjoying the outdoors, children, and visiting with other parents. There was lots of fun and laughter and I even had some sore muscles the next day. One of the most enjoyable (but strenuous) activities was the boys versus the girls in tug of war (and if my memory serves me, the girls won the best 4 out of 7 tries- with a little help). Sometimes staying connected takes some extra effort but it sure is worth it!
Please join us anytime and keep yourself connected!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Thanksgiving Diet
My doctor put me on a diet. Something about my cholesterol level reaching stratospheric levels. So I have become a devout reader of ingredient labels. I am supposed to avoid high levels of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and taste. So far, I’ve been successful in my quest. My levels are down to a physician pleasing number, at least until they readjust the recommendations again.
In all, the process hasn’t been all that bad. There are only a few foods that I really miss. Actually, only one. French fries. So far, I’ve found nothing that comes close to the taste of a french fry that doesn’t have a month’s worth of fat in each bite. That hasn’t made me stop wanting them. I feel like one of Pavlov’s dogs every time I pass by a McDonald’s. Come to think of it, I’m salivating right now.
I have learned something, though. If I can become this enamored by a fried underground vegetable, how much more should I desire to glorify Christ? If my doctor stops hounding me, don’t stand between me and the nearest deep fryer. Why can’t I have that same longing for serving the Lord? I should. That’s my Thanksgiving prayer. As we give thanks this year for God’s blessing, with every pecan pie I pass, I’m going to remind myself of what the Savior gave up for me. Suddenly that piece of pie seems really insignificant.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
In all, the process hasn’t been all that bad. There are only a few foods that I really miss. Actually, only one. French fries. So far, I’ve found nothing that comes close to the taste of a french fry that doesn’t have a month’s worth of fat in each bite. That hasn’t made me stop wanting them. I feel like one of Pavlov’s dogs every time I pass by a McDonald’s. Come to think of it, I’m salivating right now.
I have learned something, though. If I can become this enamored by a fried underground vegetable, how much more should I desire to glorify Christ? If my doctor stops hounding me, don’t stand between me and the nearest deep fryer. Why can’t I have that same longing for serving the Lord? I should. That’s my Thanksgiving prayer. As we give thanks this year for God’s blessing, with every pecan pie I pass, I’m going to remind myself of what the Savior gave up for me. Suddenly that piece of pie seems really insignificant.
2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Fall Festival
I want to send out an invitation to one and all to attend our annual Fall Festival.
On Sunday, October 25 from 5-7pm, we open the doors for a fun-filled, family friendly event. Come join us for laser tag (grades 1-6 only), balloon art, football toss, ring-a-pop, cake walk and many, many more games for all ages. Did I mention the candy? Lots and lots of candy too. Don't forget to visit the Prize Table when you get your game card filled out and take a minute to check out the display tables in the gym that are highlighting our Children's Activities.
We can't wait to see you!!
On Sunday, October 25 from 5-7pm, we open the doors for a fun-filled, family friendly event. Come join us for laser tag (grades 1-6 only), balloon art, football toss, ring-a-pop, cake walk and many, many more games for all ages. Did I mention the candy? Lots and lots of candy too. Don't forget to visit the Prize Table when you get your game card filled out and take a minute to check out the display tables in the gym that are highlighting our Children's Activities.
We can't wait to see you!!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Beautiful
Fall is such an extraordinary season. I think National Avenue is one of the most extraordinary drives in Springfield, with beautiful old growth trees displayed in all their seasonal splendor. According to my vast horticultural knowledge (in other words, I looked it up), the fall leaves are actually showing their true color, which is normally hidden by the green pigmentation of chlorophyll during the spring and summer. In the fall, we get to enjoy the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, the actual color of the leaves.
I think maybe that is a glimpse of what heaven will be like. In this world, who we are is so often hidden by the sin and shame brought on by our own rebellion against God. When we stand in the presence of God, perfected by His glorious mercy and grace, we will be able to see each other as we were created to be - beautiful handwork of the Master Craftsman.
Even more exciting, we will see God in all His glory. As the Apostle Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (NIV)
In the words of the gospel hymn, “what a day that will be.” Let the beauty of this season be a reminder of the glorious hope we have in Jesus.
I think maybe that is a glimpse of what heaven will be like. In this world, who we are is so often hidden by the sin and shame brought on by our own rebellion against God. When we stand in the presence of God, perfected by His glorious mercy and grace, we will be able to see each other as we were created to be - beautiful handwork of the Master Craftsman.
Even more exciting, we will see God in all His glory. As the Apostle Paul wrote:
1 Corinthians 13:12
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (NIV)
In the words of the gospel hymn, “what a day that will be.” Let the beauty of this season be a reminder of the glorious hope we have in Jesus.
Monday, September 21, 2009
A VBS Legacy
My son and I had such a good time together when we attended a concert given by another local Baptist church in town. The man who writes the music for Lifeway's VBS curriculum, Jeff Slaughter, came and performed a family-friendly concert.
We laughed & sang as we relived some of the past VBS songs like the "Wiki Wiki" song from Outrigger Island ("it isn't tricky"). Jeff involved the kids by asking them to come up on stage with him and demonstrate the motions to the songs. As the kids performed with him I realized that it didn't matter what church they had attended for VBS, they all knew the songs and the motions and were performing them in unison.
I thought back during the concert with Jeff to our own church's VBS Family Night where the children perform their songs in concert for their friends and family. This year it was awesome to have all those children up on stage together singing a song titled Because. This particular song has a very compelling message that sends tears to my eyes every time I hear it! When I recall the children standing on stage and singing with their arms outstretched, it makes me very thankful that God has gifted Jeff Slaughter with the ability to sing and create music!
This is even more incredible when I learned that night from Jeff that his great-grandfather was an atheist. Jeff's mother was the first one in her family to become a Christian. God has inspired Jeff to create music that is used in VBS, which continues to be a vital evangelistic ministry that reaches children with the love of God.
God is so amazing!!
We laughed & sang as we relived some of the past VBS songs like the "Wiki Wiki" song from Outrigger Island ("it isn't tricky"). Jeff involved the kids by asking them to come up on stage with him and demonstrate the motions to the songs. As the kids performed with him I realized that it didn't matter what church they had attended for VBS, they all knew the songs and the motions and were performing them in unison.
I thought back during the concert with Jeff to our own church's VBS Family Night where the children perform their songs in concert for their friends and family. This year it was awesome to have all those children up on stage together singing a song titled Because. This particular song has a very compelling message that sends tears to my eyes every time I hear it! When I recall the children standing on stage and singing with their arms outstretched, it makes me very thankful that God has gifted Jeff Slaughter with the ability to sing and create music!
This is even more incredible when I learned that night from Jeff that his great-grandfather was an atheist. Jeff's mother was the first one in her family to become a Christian. God has inspired Jeff to create music that is used in VBS, which continues to be a vital evangelistic ministry that reaches children with the love of God.
God is so amazing!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
We're Family
I answered the phone the other day and it was my cousin. I have several dozen cousins in my family, but if you’ve heard me preach about adventures with my cousin - this is the guy. It’s amazing we both survived childhood.
We now live in different states, so it was the first time I had spoken to him in several years, but it was almost like we were kids again. We caught up on each other’s families, on life in general, and a few stories from “the good ‘ol days.” It’s nice to have those folks that, even when separated by miles and years, you’re still “family.” Lasting relationships are vital in life.
That’s the idea behind small groups. This week, we are starting several new small groups throughout the week meeting in various locations around the community. They will meet in homes, in meeting rooms, in apartments; they will include men, women, and students; they will all have the same purpose - to connect with God and with people. For information, see the September newsletter, or call the church office at 833-4111. We will also continue to have our exciting small groups on Sunday; you probably know them as Sunday School classes! Find a small group this week and get connected to a “family of faith.” The relationships will be vital for you, too!
We now live in different states, so it was the first time I had spoken to him in several years, but it was almost like we were kids again. We caught up on each other’s families, on life in general, and a few stories from “the good ‘ol days.” It’s nice to have those folks that, even when separated by miles and years, you’re still “family.” Lasting relationships are vital in life.
That’s the idea behind small groups. This week, we are starting several new small groups throughout the week meeting in various locations around the community. They will meet in homes, in meeting rooms, in apartments; they will include men, women, and students; they will all have the same purpose - to connect with God and with people. For information, see the September newsletter, or call the church office at 833-4111. We will also continue to have our exciting small groups on Sunday; you probably know them as Sunday School classes! Find a small group this week and get connected to a “family of faith.” The relationships will be vital for you, too!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Football!
I love football. I always wanted to play, but never had quite the size required to be on an organized team. Still, whenever I could get a neighborhood game together, I played. I even tried to play when I couldn’t find anyone else. I went out in the backyard and attempted to be the quarterback, fullback, wide receiver, field goal kicker, and coach. Basically, I threw the ball in the air, caught it, and ran. I made lots of touchdowns, but somehow the game just wasn’t the same. It’s much better when you have an actual team.
Paul said the same thing about the church. Every member of the team is important. Using the imagery of the body, he describes the importance of every member working together in Christ:
Ephesians 4:16
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Your part is important in the kingdom of God. Without you, the team just isn’t the same. Get off the bench and into the game!
Paul said the same thing about the church. Every member of the team is important. Using the imagery of the body, he describes the importance of every member working together in Christ:
Ephesians 4:16
From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Your part is important in the kingdom of God. Without you, the team just isn’t the same. Get off the bench and into the game!
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