Awesome Kids

“This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God

through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.” (Acts 10:36)

 

I get to work with some amazing 5^th and 6^th graders on Wednesday nights. Towards the beginning of the year I realized how much this group enjoyed doing skits and plays for the smaller kids, which we did plenty of during the church’s small groups campaign. When we hit the scheduled curriculum again around Christmastime it was apparent that they wanted to do more skits. So, after Christmas season was over we decided we were going to write our own play and base it on the story of Stephen, the first martyr out of the book of Acts. We have been having a great time and I have to wonder if the kids realize how well they are going to know this story as they grow up.

 

First, we studied the passages. You can’t write about something until you know it, right? We spent weeks studying and learning because in this one small passage there is simply a ton of information to digest. Finally, after that was all done, we had to write. I was particularly nervous about the writing part because I wasn’t sure how to write a skit as a group. Our first writing night was amazing. We laughed, we shouted out ideas, I got everyone to participate, and we got more done than I had thought possible in one evening. One of the girls told me she wasn’t sure how this was all going to work when we started the class but she was happy with what we got done! These kids are taking ownership in this fun little project and I am learning through them.

 

I do wonder if this class realizes that they are branding these stories on their hearts. I know they realize as they get deeper into the skit that they will be teaching others this story so they are very adamant that it is done correctly. The class lets me jump up and down and make a fool out of myself as we go through this process and I can truly feel them learning and enjoying their time in God’s Word. I couldn’t ask for a better time as a teacher and leader. I can’t wait to see this event on a stage and I pray that God is working a wonder in the children’s hearts that will last a lifetime.

 

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

Psalm 51

Sometimes the strangest things or methods can work something in my heart. Today, I wasn’t sure what to read so I read Psalm 51. I knew what it was going to say before I read it. I am still struggling and the more I struggle the more I realize the walls in my life I need to tear down, so I guess it’s a good thing even if it is not very much fun. So, today I will share Pslam 51. If you know that you have already read it and think you could stop your devotion right here….you probably need it more than someone else. Just a thought. I could be wrong. However, I read it twice this morning, stopping at certain points longer than others, and then typing it made me want the author’s words to be mine….so there is something therapeutic about the whole thing. I pray, that if you need them, that God uses His word in this particular Psalm to work a wonder in you today.

Psalm 51

Have mercy on me, O God,

                because of your unfailing love.

Because of your great compassion,

                Blot out the stain of my sins.

Wash me clean from my guilt

                Purify me from my sin.

For I recognize my rebellion;

                It haunts me day and night.

Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;

                I have done what is evil in your sight.

You will proved right in what you say,

                And your judgment  against me is just.

For I was born a sinner—

                Yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.

But you desire honesty from the womb,

                teaching me wisdom even there.

Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean;

                Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Oh, give me back my joy again;

                you have broken me—

                now let me rejoice.

Don’t keep looking at my sins.

                Remove the stain of my guilt.

Create in me a clean heart, O God.

                Renew a loyal spirit within me.

Do not banish me from your presence,

                and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore me to the joy of your salvation,

                and make me willing to obey you.

Then I will teach your ways to the rebels,

                and they will return to you.

Forgive me for shedding blood, O God who saves;

                Then I will joyfully sing of your forgiveness.

Unseal my lips, O Lord,

                that my mouth may praise you.

You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one.

                You do not want a burnt offering.

The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit.

                You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O god.

Look with favor in Zion and help her;

                Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

Then you will be pleased with sacrifices offered in the right spirit—

                with burn offerings and whole burnt offerings.

                Then bulls will again be sacrificed on your altar.

I want to Live a Verb

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.” (Psalm 18:1-2a)

 

I am a nerd. Actually, I am the nerd of my entire family. Being a nerd I like schedules, budgets, numbers, and routines. However, I don’t do so well with commands and rules because I am also defiant and a little mischievous (go figure). For example: I like to wake up in the morning to pray and read my Bible. I don’t read my Bible and pray because God commands it though. I do those things because I love the Lord and I want to know Him better. I love going to service on Sundays. I don’t go because it’s the law but I go because it’s incredible to worship the God of the universe and be surrounded by so many people who are in love with Him as well. I enjoy teaching and serving on Wednesday nights but it’s not because Jesus requires acts of service. I go in to my classroom on Wednesdays because I want to encourage a great group of awesome kids to be excited and in love with Jesus.

 

I want to live the verb of being in love with Jesus. I want my faith to be moving and living. I never want to sit down for a second.

 

+        I want to reach out into the community

+        I want to love the people in my life unconditionally

+        I want to give and then give some more

+        I want to trust and know that I am free

+        I want to be a good wife, mother, daughter, and friend

+        I want to live running and basking and all these things with God in the center of me because I love my Lord….because I love Jesus.

 

I want to bring God with me everywhere I go. Sometimes I leave Him here in this seat after I get done with devotions and for that I feel terrible. He doesn’t want just my mornings. Our Lord wants our everything and I want to give it to Him. I have let go of me and let God in and some days that is hard.  Walk with me, please, as I endure this challenge not because of some rule or ritual but because of  love and devotion to our Father.

 

“Praise the Lord! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Let us be glad and rejoice, and let us give honor to him.” (Revelations 19:6a-7a)

So Frustrated

“I lift you high in praise, my God, O my King! And I will bless your name into eternity.” (Psalm 145:1 Message)

 

This was not the way I wanted to start my morning. We have been scolding our oldest son. It’s hard for me because I feel sorry for his self-inflicted problem he is in but it is so hard to go over the same things over and over again and feel like his anger is preventing him from really hearing anything we have to say.

 

I wonder how often God feels that way. Many of our life circumstances, good or bad, are a result of our own choices. He tells us, He shows us, He gives us grace over and over and over again and here we are…still in the same rut. Even the things I know I need to change about me and my lifestyles are so extremely hard to change but I know everything I need to know and I make my mistakes anyway. Why is that?

 

We need to trust God enough to make the right decisions. We need to follow His ways. Have you ever noticed that we say God has a perfect plan but we don’t want to do it His way? And then, when you realize you were going the wrong direction and feel the peace of following that narrow path, you may steel veer off into a different direction because it looked pretty good? How can I raise a child when I am such a wreck some days? What has God given me that I am not using to push through these obstacles? All the answers are right there.

 

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30 The Message)*

*thanks Suzanne!

We are the Circus

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:20)

 

We saw the Cirque de la Symphonie on New Years Eve. It was an amazing night and a neat way to introduce a different genre of music to our kids. The music was beautiful, the acrobatics were shockingly amazing, and the talent was breath taking. I was torn between watching the faces of my family as new things flashed across the stage and watching the stage itself. How incredible that so much talent can be displayed in one night and on one stage.

 

Two women, in two completely different songs, demonstrated a strength and flexibility that had the crowd “oohing” and “awing” in sync. The juggler was amazing and my youngest happened to mention, at the exact moment I thought it, that it looked like that funny little clown had three arms whenever he was juggling because he moved so quickly. Another guy came out and had a hollow 3-D box that he twirled that may not sound too exiting but it had the effect of a laser show and I couldn’t keep my eyes off the box as it whirled around the guy. The “strongman” act was a true demonstration of strength as these two guys showcased a level of discipline and strength I have never seen before. And let’s not forget the music: it was fabulous! The Des Moines Symphony really out did themselves. Our youngest was quite impressed that they remembered to play a StarWars song for him. They also had a 13-year old come out and play a song on the piano and he will a rising star; I am sure of it. It was a night of beautiful talent and I am glad that we decided to go.

 

God gives everyone different abilities. If all the people in the Cirque de la Symphonie did the same thing, equally talented in exactly the same talents, the show would have sucked (honestly). We are the circus, my friends. God has given us beautiful talents and abilities and when we work together we can produce amazing things through our differences. Some of us are good at juggling, some of us are able to contort ourselves to make things work, some our strength and ability to work on teams gets mighty mountains of ministry moving, and still, some of us are that star that will move people and show them the beauty of life. We are the circus….we are the church and it’s time, everyday, to get the show on the road. Pray about what God is asking you to do and fix your eyes on it now. He’ll walk you through it and see you safely to the other side.

 

“Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and  strength belong to God forever and ever! Amen.” (Revelation 7:12)

Into the Fire!

“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned to me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.” (Acts 20:24)

 

The first time I ever served was in an auction/pig roast at our church. This would have been seven years ago, I think. I had gone to the new member gathering and our pastor had said that as members of Christ church and our church that it is important that we volunteer once every six months. The next “big” thing going on at the church was the pig roast so I volunteered to work in the kitchen, getting my first session out of the way as soon as possible. I felt out of place. I didn’t know anyone. I was nervous. And I had to sweat it out for an hour or two but most of all, I enjoyed it thoroughly and it was my gateway to many different opportunities to serve.

 

Now, my husband and I are leading our first in-home small group, which was something both of us were very uneasy about doing. We are enjoying ourselves very much. Yesterday we were talking about ministry (serving) and we got to the point where we were sharing some of our ideas and it was fun. We talked about different ways to welcome newcomers. We liked the idea of finding a way to bring our family of faith closer together and keeping us connected. There are ministries that we want to be a part of eventually but our schedules won’t permit us right now. Finally, there were ministries, or areas of serving, that we are already a part of that we want to see grow. I got very excited just talking about it and I look forward to seeing how our group changes and grows over time.

 

I am sure that many ideas have crossed the minds of multitudes that have never been put into action for one reason or another. And I am sure that there are some ideas that haven’t come to pass but have propelled other ideas in it’s wake. A good pastor once shared that a heap of coals in a fire will burn and glow but if one coal falls off the side it will grow cold and turn black. I urge everyone to go into that fire and help the flame of Jesus Christ grow. Take that risk and take that chance. Let us be the fire that sets the world ablaze and gets everything ready for Jesus’ return.

 

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

Filling Up on God

“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26)

 

I volunteered to teach on Wednesday nights this year knowing that teaching is not a strong point for me, at least I don’t think so. But I love the Wednesday night program and I knew they needed leaders so here I am. I work with 5^th and 6^th graders, which is an interesting age. Some of the boys come in there pretending not to care about anything and some of the girls try really hard not to show their excitement because they actually enjoy it. I come in some nights dreading what’s ahead because trying to incorporate The Purpose Driven Life (current church study) into teaching points has been harder than we thought. If I am going to be honest I actually dread most nights because I don’t feel like I reach the kids; I feel like I do more shushing than teaching. But in the last couple weeks something has changed.

 

It started two weeks ago when I wasn’t even teaching. I had the night off to watch my daughter’s program and so my teaching partner took over and had the kids do a skit. That seemed to work so well that we did another one last week. That skit was awful! But the kids seemed to like the idea of skits so we tried it one more time last night. The kids were so great! We drew for parts, I had copies of the skit printed off for them, and they knew exactly where to make it funny. I was thoroughly impressed and so proud of them both during class and as they performed for the other classes.  I know we can’t do skits every week because not all the kids want to but I have all kinds of ideas running through my head for a future skit that I think would be amazing!

 

For the first time, in a long time, I really do feel some excitement for teaching. I know it may sound awful that I would teach and dread it at the same time but no matter how scared I am to teach I always leave each session touched and moved by the kids; it’s a weird cycle. But I wouldn’t be experiencing any of these things if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone. I don’t think most people realize how happy I would be to hide behind this computer for anything and everything I do but God has other plans. I thank God this morning for laying things on me that I didn’t want and for pushing me when I wanted to stay. I thank Jesus for trusting me with these kids and for giving what we need to reach them. Once again I am reminded of how blessed I am and what a great family of faith I am a part of. God is good and I feel filled.

 

“So be careful how you live. Don’t be like fools, but like those who are wise.  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.  Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts.  And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:15-20)

Jobs I Wouldn’t Want

“All the women who were willing used their skills to spin the goat hair into yarn.” (Exodus 35:26)

 

A few months ago my friends and I decided to spoil ourselves with a beauty day. We headed out to the Iowa School of Beauty and got pedicures and facials. I asked the girl working on my feet if she was planning on specializing in nails. You should have seen the look on her face. She is definitely not working on hands and feet for a living and I laughed with her at her reaction. I know I couldn’t work on people’s feet. However, I did tell her that she should gleam one moment of triumph that day because she was bringing joy to me through the service she was offering.

 

I have gotten to know my new dentist quite well this month as I have been there almost every week, sometimes more than once a week for the past for or five weeks. I have an extreme fear of the dentist but he is wonderful. After my first visit I assaulted my kids with a verbal rampage of how I didn’t know why anyone would want to stick their fingers, and spend all day looking, into someone’s mouth! I even asked him what drives a person to want to go into dentistry. He told me it wasn’t something he necessarily thought about growing up but it was obviously somewhere deep within for him to where he is now. And although no one brings me greater fear, anxiety, stress, lack of sleep, or the experience of hearing noises that give me nightmares than the dentist I must say I think he, and his entire staff, are awesome. Dental professionals are another set of people who do an extreme service, as gross as I think it is, and help heal people.

 

There are a huge number of jobs that I would and/or could never do and as I think about it they are jobs that almost always place someone in the servant/healer/teacher roles like serving in restaurants, teaching kids, medical professionals, or cashiers, just to name a very few. I could never do any of these jobs because it’s not who I am but I thank God everyday for the people who, for a living, make other lives better. I believe it is in people like these who we can see Jesus in everyday. These are the professionals that make a difference and can change the world.

 

“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” (Romans 12:4-5)

 

 

Because I Said So

“I will bring that group through the fire and make them pure. I will reined them like silver and purify them like gold. They will call on my name, and will answer them. I will say, ‘These are my people,’ and they will say, ‘The Lord is our God.’” (Zechariah 13:9)

 

Do you remember that? Do you remember being young and your parents, family members, or teachers would say, “because I said so” to defend his or her reasoning? I do but mostly because I do it to my own children. I have even gone as far as reminding them that I would never ask them to do anything that would cause any harm to them, that would not help make them stronger and better people, or that would not make their lives better. I have had to leave explanations that are ended with “it’s for the best” or “we had to make a choice and we made it”.  Over time we have learned what we can and cannot trust our kids to handle. But the point is, if we do keep information from the kids it’s not to be deceitful or misleading. If we keep information from the kids it’s because we know what is best for them.

 

However, this method does not translate well into the world. We are living in a world where we have to second guess everyone and anything people say. We have to learn to read between the lines and research our own answers. Our society thrives on murder mysteries and cop cases, sex and scandal. Is it any wonder we have trouble trusting anyone in authority to be telling the absolute truth? And, if they are not giving all the information why is that? Do I want to know? Is it going to change me? Is it better that I don’t know? Is the information that is given enough? But then we circle back to that whole trust thing. We were brought up not trust anyone so it’s no surprise how easily doubt and anger creep into our minds when we feel we are being misled or not given all the information. Finally, once trust is shaken can it be calmed once again?

 

It’s a tug-of-war isn’t it? We tell our kids one thing but we expect something different in return. But then we are adults and we should be able to handle a complete story, but do we handle it well? Just thinking about the chaos causes me to smile a little and think of a group of adults standing around a leader stomping their foot and asking, “WHY?” over and over again, although I understand that it is not funny. Actually this thought is something to pray about isn’t it? This morning I come to you with no answers but a glimpse into what has been going through my brain as I have been writing and for the last couple days. Things are so much better when there is a clear answer. The only thing that I am hearing clearly is God not giving me definite answers, which makes me want to stomp my foot and ask why!

 

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans: 15:13)

He Can Be Just Like Me

“She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?” (1 Timothy 5:10)

 

I am experiencing a slight occurrence of attention deficit this morning. I had thought of something to write about as I lay in bed this morning waiting for the alarm to go off. By the time I got downstairs the thought had totally eluded me. As I was reading Ezekiel a little while ago I came across an amazing verse that I thought would make a great story but I put down my Bible, walked my cold feet to the hot coffee and my writing subject plagued me every step of the way: a 12 year old young man.

 

So far this morning, in a matter of approximately 5-10 minutes we have talked about homework, hot lunch, cleaning the house, graded school work, movies, dinner, tomorrow’s breakfast, hygiene, and Saturday night. Any of my closest friends will know that covering that much subject matter in a small space of time is of little challenge to me. It’s no wonder that my son and I can pace each other so well and at such an early hour in the morning. We are extremely similar to one another and sometimes that is good and sometimes it makes me cringe.

 

Sometimes my 12 year old will say something or do something that gives me flashbacks to when I was younger and I was not a very good little girl. I was spoiled, did what ever I wanted no matter whom it may hurt, and I thought the world revolved around me. So, when I see the similarities I get a little scared. However, this young man has something that I didn’t have: faith.

 

If you were to ask Him the way to Heaven, he would tell you: only through Jesus. If you were to ask him if liked church he would look at you funny and say, “yeah, why” (like you were an idiot).  If there is an occasion that he may miss youth group there is a panicked look on his face and he bravely fights back tears. Through Greg and I, our friends, our immediate family, our family of faith, great leaders, strong youth programs, and a lot of prayers has been given a strong foundation that will hopefully guide him on his journey through life.

 

Yes, my son is just like me. My parents remind me often of that fact. But I can honestly say, with my big-grown-up voice, that it’s okay. We enjoy each other a lot, we understand each other, and we can read each other pretty well. Even when my son makes his mistakes in life I will continue to love him and pray for him. At the end of a bad day, when my son reaches out for my hand and asks if I want him to pray with me, I can still smile and thank God for sending him to me because I am pretty sure that when a little seven pound 1/2 ounce baby boy was given to me the rest of my life was changed forever. (oh, and he was born at 4:42 am….maybe we are just morning people)

 

“I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.  For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.  May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)