The month of May is a “finishing” month for many of us. It’s when school ends, graduations happen, and the “year” – at least if you work off the school calendar- comes to a close. The month of May is always bittersweet for me. Because I was a classroom teacher for so long my mind and internal clock still tick on an August through May rhythm.
I’m not in a classroom anymore so I’m not sending kids off for summer vacation knowing that come August they will be another teacher’s babies. I’m not packing up my dry erase markers, books, and plan book for a couple of months, but still it’s May just like that…
During this- the fifth month of the year- I feel that same nostalgia that I always felt as a classroom teacher. I look at the fifth graders and realize that in a few short weeks, they will move on to student ministry. I hope and pray that their time in PathFinders has been a foundational time in their walk with the Lord. I look at the younger kids who will soon be moving up to PathFinders from our nursery or preschool area, and think to myself- “How did they grow up so fast?!” These things illicit a deep sentimentality, but also the sweet realization that God continues to move and grow each of us.
Then there is the May heartache that I can’t fully explain in words. This heartache comes from the fact that many children in our community will go hungry all summer. Because my time in the public school system was spent in Title-One schools, where the free lunch program served 90% of our population, I’ve always been hyper aware of what happened when kids went home for the summer. These children – my babies from August to May, would run the risk of having no breakfast, lunch, or dinner every day…most days. I know this hasn’t changed in our community, and there are few things that break my heart more.
May comes between April and June every year. Just like that…
Summer will happen, and much of it will be great. Just like that…
The kids in PathFinders will grow and change, as it should be. Just like that…
Kids in our city- kids your kids know- will go hungry. Just like that…
We can’t change things, but God can- JUST LIKE THAT.
As we enter the summer months, please join me in praying a “just like that” kind of prayer for our kids and our community.
This Week’s Announcements:
Summer Volunteers: WE NEED YOU!
If you haven’t done so, please sign up for a volunteer slot (or two or three) during the summer. Our regular (school year) volunteers take a much deserved break in the summer.
You can sign up one of two ways:
First way…
Sign up for “PathFinders Summer” on Volunteer Spot. Here's how it works in 3 easy steps:
1) Click this link to see our Sign-Up on VolunteerSpot: http://vols.pt/E92UVq
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It's Easy - you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on VolunteerSpot.
**Note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me and I can sign you up manually.
PROMOTION SUNDAY: JUNE 7th
Promotion Sunday affects MANY age groups, so please take note carefully.
- Children in room C that are already 2 years old will move up to room D (*Do not move children up UNTIL they turn two)
- Children in room D that are 3 years old OR will be 3 years old ON or BEFORE Sept. 1, 2015 will move to our 3k room
- Children in 3k room who are 4 years old OR will be 4 years old ON or BEFORE Sept. 1, 2015 will move upstairs to our 4k/K room
- Children in 4k/K room who will enter Kindergarten in the fall of 2015 will remain in that room. Children in 4k/K room who will enter 1st grade in the fall of 2015 will move out of that room and join the elementary PathFinders in the main big space upstairs
- Children entering 2nd-5th grade in the fall will remain in the same space they have been in this school year.
**Please note again- these changes happen on JUNE 7th- not before. Thanks!
Special promotion info for rising 6th graders…July 12th!
If your child is FINISHING 5th grade, and will be entering 6th grade this fall, he/she will continue coming to PathFinders on Sunday morning through June and until mid-July. They will join our STUDENT MINISTRY after summer youth camp (“OneCamp”) that happens the week of July 4th. This means they WILL NOT stay in the service and go to middle school small group on Sunday mornings NOR will they go to Sunday night youth until their first official day as part of Student Ministry- Sunday, July 12th. To help them with this transition, rising 6th graders will have a leadership role on Sunday mornings in PathFinders. They will have the opportunity to help lead games, help with technical jobs, and maybe even lead a discussion with younger children. During this transition time, they will have the opportunity to lead in an area they know well. You should hear from our youth pastor, David Scott as the date of transition for rising 6th graders gets closer.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view May lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
While teaching the 3k kids and discussing the Truth about Heaven, the comment was made, “If you love Jesus, you go to heaven.” One child chimed in, “Well if you don’t love Jesus, you go somewhere else. I think it’s like the lion’s den- but it’s not the circus!”
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Monday, March 30, 2015
Holy Week and Your Kids
The week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday is typically called Holy Week. It’s not uncommon to skim over the events after Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and His crucifixion on Friday. When we skim over those events, we lose some of the important information about what Jesus was going through, as well as the nuances of what His followers as well as His haters may have been struggling with and feeling.
For these reasons, it’s important to walk our children through the Scriptures that teach about these events. Below are a few ways to do that, as well as some other ways to make the foundation of our faith come to life for your kids.
Ideas for Celebrating Holy Week and Easter:
1. Read through Scripture each day of Holy Week
Here is a list of the events by day and where they are found in Scripture:
Sunday - Triumphal Entry - Mark 11:1-10
Monday – Temple Clearing - Mark 11:15-18
Tuesday – Jesus Anointed- Mark 14:3-9
Wednesday - Judas Plots - Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11
Thursday - Last Supper - Mark 14:12-25
Thursday/Friday - Garden of Gethsemane (prayer and arrest) - Mark 14: 32-42; 43-50
Friday- Jesus is Accused and Denied- Mark 14:53-72
Friday continues: Mocked, Crucified, Dead, and Buried- Mark 15
2. Easter Cookies-
These are not bunny or egg shaped and frosted; these are cookies that help retell the resurrection story in a very hands-on way. (*Use the following link for the full recipe and instructions)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7uXT5LcV43SUW5CT2pVaVQ2X2M/view?usp=sharing
3. Easter Basket Blessings -
How can your Easter Basket tell the Resurrection Story? You might be surprised! Take a look at each of the things in the basket, and how they help tell the truth of why we celebrate Easter! (*See the following link for a full description)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7uXT5LcV43SaTVUV3NJRE4tVlk/view?usp=sharing
You may choose to use the ideas listed here, ideas of your own, or find something that works for your family on Pinterest. In any case, I pray that you will connect with each other and the Lord in new and exciting ways during this special week. I pray the revelation of what Jesus did on the cross, and the full meaning of why the resurrection matters will penetrate the heart of every member of your household this Easter.
He is risen indeed!
This Week’s Announcements:
Good Friday Service: There is childcare provided during our Good Friday Service this week. You must register for childcare by Wednesday. Go to our website: www.stonebridgemarietta.org and click on events to find the specifics and to register your children.
Easter Services: We will have three services on Easter Sunday- 7am, 9am, and 11am. Please note that there is no children’s ministry at the 7am service. We will serve all children birth-5th grade during the 9am and 11am services.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view March lessons.
This link is no longer available
*Please note that there are no lessons listed for March 22nd as we participated in an outreach project for our Partners in Education- Park Street Elementary.
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
While putting their names on a completed craft one Sunday morning, two Kindergarten boys began comparing the length of their names. The boy with the least number of letters mentioned that his was very easy to write, but not in cursive. His small group leader, surprised that he knew cursive, asked, “Cursive?” His reply, “Yeah, Ms. Donna- cursive…that’s a whole new world!”
For these reasons, it’s important to walk our children through the Scriptures that teach about these events. Below are a few ways to do that, as well as some other ways to make the foundation of our faith come to life for your kids.
Ideas for Celebrating Holy Week and Easter:
1. Read through Scripture each day of Holy Week
Here is a list of the events by day and where they are found in Scripture:
Sunday - Triumphal Entry - Mark 11:1-10
Monday – Temple Clearing - Mark 11:15-18
Tuesday – Jesus Anointed- Mark 14:3-9
Wednesday - Judas Plots - Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11
Thursday - Last Supper - Mark 14:12-25
Thursday/Friday - Garden of Gethsemane (prayer and arrest) - Mark 14: 32-42; 43-50
Friday- Jesus is Accused and Denied- Mark 14:53-72
Friday continues: Mocked, Crucified, Dead, and Buried- Mark 15
2. Easter Cookies-
These are not bunny or egg shaped and frosted; these are cookies that help retell the resurrection story in a very hands-on way. (*Use the following link for the full recipe and instructions)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7uXT5LcV43SUW5CT2pVaVQ2X2M/view?usp=sharing
3. Easter Basket Blessings -
How can your Easter Basket tell the Resurrection Story? You might be surprised! Take a look at each of the things in the basket, and how they help tell the truth of why we celebrate Easter! (*See the following link for a full description)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7uXT5LcV43SaTVUV3NJRE4tVlk/view?usp=sharing
You may choose to use the ideas listed here, ideas of your own, or find something that works for your family on Pinterest. In any case, I pray that you will connect with each other and the Lord in new and exciting ways during this special week. I pray the revelation of what Jesus did on the cross, and the full meaning of why the resurrection matters will penetrate the heart of every member of your household this Easter.
He is risen indeed!
This Week’s Announcements:
Good Friday Service: There is childcare provided during our Good Friday Service this week. You must register for childcare by Wednesday. Go to our website: www.stonebridgemarietta.org and click on events to find the specifics and to register your children.
Easter Services: We will have three services on Easter Sunday- 7am, 9am, and 11am. Please note that there is no children’s ministry at the 7am service. We will serve all children birth-5th grade during the 9am and 11am services.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view March lessons.
This link is no longer available
*Please note that there are no lessons listed for March 22nd as we participated in an outreach project for our Partners in Education- Park Street Elementary.
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
While putting their names on a completed craft one Sunday morning, two Kindergarten boys began comparing the length of their names. The boy with the least number of letters mentioned that his was very easy to write, but not in cursive. His small group leader, surprised that he knew cursive, asked, “Cursive?” His reply, “Yeah, Ms. Donna- cursive…that’s a whole new world!”
Monday, March 23, 2015
Easter Basket Turnover
I’ve loved Easter for as long as I can remember. Our traditional Easter Sunday involved several things. A new outfit for me- complete with white gloves, white patent Mary Janes, and a hat. There were lilies for my mom, new suits for the guys, and a BIG lunch at my grandmother’s house after church.
After eating our fill of the most delicious food ever assembled, we headed outside for the egg hunt. All the men were in charge of hiding the eggs- real, never plastic, along with some special treasures. The cousins, my brother, and I would grab our baskets and start the search.
“On your mark, get set, go!” Off we’d go alright- racing around trying to be the first to find one, to gather the most for bragging rights, and to find the biggest prize- the golden egg. My grandfather would hide one golden egg, the finder of which won a monetary prize of $1.
After corralling the younger cousins, repositioning the boys’ ties, and fluffing all the girls’ dresses, we’d sit on my grandparents’ front steps for the annual cousin photo. After several tries at having everyone facing the camera at the same time were found to be futile, our parents set us loose to enjoy our newly acquired treasures. Easter baskets were turned over and the trading began. Once the dust had settled, we went about the business of playing, laughing, and eating again.
Those Easter Sundays were something special for our family- for me. The memories of the activities we enjoyed are only heightened by the memory of sitting beside my family at church. Our baskets were full, but more than that – our hearts were full.
As you and your family continue through this season of Lent and prepare for Easter, I encourage you to think about your lives- your hearts- as Easter baskets. What has God placed in your basket this year? What treasures has God allowed you to find individually and as a family? If you turned over those baskets, what would fall out and bless you all over again?
This Week’s Announcements:
Easter Services: We will have three services on Easter Sunday- 7am, 9am, and 11am. Please note that there is no children’s ministry at the 7am service. We will serve all children birth-5th grade during the 9am and 11am services.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view March lessons.
This link is no longer available
*Please note that there are no lessons listed for March 22nd as we participated in an outreach project for our Partners in Education- Park Street Elementary.
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
During this past Sunday’s outreach project, I asked the kids about what they considered to be hard about school. I then asked how they thought a teacher would answer the same question. There were some pretty clever answers. One of my favorites… “The hardest part for a teacher is making the crazy kids behave. My teacher puts her hands on her head, shakes it, and says, ‘Oh, my word!’” (The funniest part of this story…the child is homeschooled!)
After eating our fill of the most delicious food ever assembled, we headed outside for the egg hunt. All the men were in charge of hiding the eggs- real, never plastic, along with some special treasures. The cousins, my brother, and I would grab our baskets and start the search.
“On your mark, get set, go!” Off we’d go alright- racing around trying to be the first to find one, to gather the most for bragging rights, and to find the biggest prize- the golden egg. My grandfather would hide one golden egg, the finder of which won a monetary prize of $1.
After corralling the younger cousins, repositioning the boys’ ties, and fluffing all the girls’ dresses, we’d sit on my grandparents’ front steps for the annual cousin photo. After several tries at having everyone facing the camera at the same time were found to be futile, our parents set us loose to enjoy our newly acquired treasures. Easter baskets were turned over and the trading began. Once the dust had settled, we went about the business of playing, laughing, and eating again.
Those Easter Sundays were something special for our family- for me. The memories of the activities we enjoyed are only heightened by the memory of sitting beside my family at church. Our baskets were full, but more than that – our hearts were full.
As you and your family continue through this season of Lent and prepare for Easter, I encourage you to think about your lives- your hearts- as Easter baskets. What has God placed in your basket this year? What treasures has God allowed you to find individually and as a family? If you turned over those baskets, what would fall out and bless you all over again?
This Week’s Announcements:
Easter Services: We will have three services on Easter Sunday- 7am, 9am, and 11am. Please note that there is no children’s ministry at the 7am service. We will serve all children birth-5th grade during the 9am and 11am services.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view March lessons.
This link is no longer available
*Please note that there are no lessons listed for March 22nd as we participated in an outreach project for our Partners in Education- Park Street Elementary.
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
During this past Sunday’s outreach project, I asked the kids about what they considered to be hard about school. I then asked how they thought a teacher would answer the same question. There were some pretty clever answers. One of my favorites… “The hardest part for a teacher is making the crazy kids behave. My teacher puts her hands on her head, shakes it, and says, ‘Oh, my word!’” (The funniest part of this story…the child is homeschooled!)
Monday, March 16, 2015
Spring Fever and Other Excuses
When I was a teacher we- meaning myself and my teammates- used to make “excuses” for every crazy day we had in our classrooms. There was a full moon last night, the kids had cookies at lunch, it was the day before or after Halloween, Christmas break is close, and my favorite - spring fever. At the time, these all seemed like valid excuses for our kids’ behavior being just a little out of whack.
I’m not sure whether or not they were valid, but I’m certain they were excuses. We didn’t allow them to get away with the misbehavior; there were still consequences. I’m not sure what we were really accomplishing with the excuses. Maybe it was more about making ourselves feel better. (It couldn’t be that we were off our game on control so there must be a reason for the craziness.)
Looking back now, I’m more aware of how we shouldn’t have made excuses- for them or for ourselves. Really, is there any good excuse for misbehavior? Making the choice to misbehave is just that- a choice. There are no excuses. It’s not someone else’s fault. It’s not because of a full moon or too much sugar. There may be scientific validity to how those things affect us physically, but we still have a choice in whether or not to exhibit self-control.
I am a strong believer in personal responsibility, and have had to work hard to teach that to my own children. Teaching our children to “own up” to their mistakes is one of the pillars of building character; character that lines up with Scripture.
2 Corinthians 5:10- “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
The first step we can take as parents in the direction of helping build character in our kids is to stop making excuses for their misbehavior or bad choices. If we don’t make excuses, they are much less likely to make them, and conversely more likely to take ownership of their choices.
This Week’s Announcements:
Mom/Son Game Night: Moms, this is your chance to let that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son. Come join us for this year’s Mom/Son Game Night- Friday, March 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $5 per family. Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Register by visiting www.signupgenius.com and searching under penny@stonebridgemarietta.org. *REGISTRATION CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT, TUESDAY, 3/17.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view March lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
The BIG45 boys were discussing the gospel of Luke. During the conversation, we talked about how one thing Luke emphasized was the humanity of Jesus. Each boy shared his understanding of that concept by sharing something they read in Luke. One guy was describing Jesus in the temple at age 12. This led us into a discussion about what Jesus may have been like as a kid just a little older than all of them. The same boy posed a series of questions/observations which made us all laugh.
“Since Mary had other kids, Jesus had siblings- right?” (Yes)- “Okay…and Jesus was perfect…He never did anything wrong, right?” (Yes again) “Man, that would stink to have a brother who was perfect all the time! Like, you and your brother are fighting, and your mom walks in. You point and say, ‘Jesus did it!’ Then your mom says… ‘Yeah- no He didn’t- He’s perfect!’”
I’m not sure whether or not they were valid, but I’m certain they were excuses. We didn’t allow them to get away with the misbehavior; there were still consequences. I’m not sure what we were really accomplishing with the excuses. Maybe it was more about making ourselves feel better. (It couldn’t be that we were off our game on control so there must be a reason for the craziness.)
Looking back now, I’m more aware of how we shouldn’t have made excuses- for them or for ourselves. Really, is there any good excuse for misbehavior? Making the choice to misbehave is just that- a choice. There are no excuses. It’s not someone else’s fault. It’s not because of a full moon or too much sugar. There may be scientific validity to how those things affect us physically, but we still have a choice in whether or not to exhibit self-control.
I am a strong believer in personal responsibility, and have had to work hard to teach that to my own children. Teaching our children to “own up” to their mistakes is one of the pillars of building character; character that lines up with Scripture.
2 Corinthians 5:10- “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
The first step we can take as parents in the direction of helping build character in our kids is to stop making excuses for their misbehavior or bad choices. If we don’t make excuses, they are much less likely to make them, and conversely more likely to take ownership of their choices.
This Week’s Announcements:
Mom/Son Game Night: Moms, this is your chance to let that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son. Come join us for this year’s Mom/Son Game Night- Friday, March 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $5 per family. Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Register by visiting www.signupgenius.com and searching under penny@stonebridgemarietta.org. *REGISTRATION CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT, TUESDAY, 3/17.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view March lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
The BIG45 boys were discussing the gospel of Luke. During the conversation, we talked about how one thing Luke emphasized was the humanity of Jesus. Each boy shared his understanding of that concept by sharing something they read in Luke. One guy was describing Jesus in the temple at age 12. This led us into a discussion about what Jesus may have been like as a kid just a little older than all of them. The same boy posed a series of questions/observations which made us all laugh.
“Since Mary had other kids, Jesus had siblings- right?” (Yes)- “Okay…and Jesus was perfect…He never did anything wrong, right?” (Yes again) “Man, that would stink to have a brother who was perfect all the time! Like, you and your brother are fighting, and your mom walks in. You point and say, ‘Jesus did it!’ Then your mom says… ‘Yeah- no He didn’t- He’s perfect!’”
Monday, March 9, 2015
When Kids Ask Why
No matter how old a person, there is still the question “why?” that plays in one’s head. This is especially true for kids. Why is the grass green, why do we eat vegetables before dessert, and why do I have to pick up my Legos before bed? (That last one is easy…so mommy doesn’t step on one and start screaming really bad words from the excruciating pain!)
The hardest whys are the ones we have no answers to give our inquisitors. No matter how much we know, or our kids think we know, there are questions we can’t answer. Why do kids get cancer, why do children go hungry in our city, and why –even when we pray for something- does it not happen?
Biblically and theologically we can give answers to these questions. We live in a broken world and all will not be right this side of heaven. God does answer our prayers, but sometimes the answer is wait, or even no.
I’m not sure how much theology helps a kid- or an adult for that matter-in the moment. When hearts are hurting or confused, what comes across as a stock answer may not be the best one. In the moment, I often wonder if the better answer is “I don’t know.”
There is a place for the biblical/theological answers FOR SURE and they most definitely help in the long term. None of us grow spiritually without the benefit of those answers. But maybe those kinds of answers are best left when a full discussion can take place- not in short one sentence responses to the why questions.
My son, for instance, didn’t need a theological answer last night when he asked a why question. What he needed was a hug, an “I don’t know”, and time praying together.
At times there are no easy answers to some of the ‘whys’ our kids ask. The best we can do is ask the Lord to give us the right words to say in the moment. Other times we get lucky and an easy ‘why’ is thrown our way. “Why can’t I eat the candy in the top of the pantry?” Um…because that chocolate belongs to mommy!
This Week’s Announcements:
Mom/Son Game Night: Moms, this is your chance to let that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son. Come join us for this year’s Mom/Son Game Night- Friday, March 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $5 per family. Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Register by visiting www.signupgenius.com and searching under penny@stonebridgemarietta.org.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view March lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
While talking to some kids about the Kingdom of God, a description of heaven was read from The Jesus Storybook Bible. After the description, the kids starting sharing their ideas of what heaven might be like. Things like no tears, no sadness, and no fights were shared. Then, one child asked, “Does that mean no wrestling…and what about candy?!” I guess heaven for this active boy would have to include rolling around on the ground and sugar.
The hardest whys are the ones we have no answers to give our inquisitors. No matter how much we know, or our kids think we know, there are questions we can’t answer. Why do kids get cancer, why do children go hungry in our city, and why –even when we pray for something- does it not happen?
Biblically and theologically we can give answers to these questions. We live in a broken world and all will not be right this side of heaven. God does answer our prayers, but sometimes the answer is wait, or even no.
I’m not sure how much theology helps a kid- or an adult for that matter-in the moment. When hearts are hurting or confused, what comes across as a stock answer may not be the best one. In the moment, I often wonder if the better answer is “I don’t know.”
There is a place for the biblical/theological answers FOR SURE and they most definitely help in the long term. None of us grow spiritually without the benefit of those answers. But maybe those kinds of answers are best left when a full discussion can take place- not in short one sentence responses to the why questions.
My son, for instance, didn’t need a theological answer last night when he asked a why question. What he needed was a hug, an “I don’t know”, and time praying together.
At times there are no easy answers to some of the ‘whys’ our kids ask. The best we can do is ask the Lord to give us the right words to say in the moment. Other times we get lucky and an easy ‘why’ is thrown our way. “Why can’t I eat the candy in the top of the pantry?” Um…because that chocolate belongs to mommy!
This Week’s Announcements:
Mom/Son Game Night: Moms, this is your chance to let that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son. Come join us for this year’s Mom/Son Game Night- Friday, March 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $5 per family. Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Register by visiting www.signupgenius.com and searching under penny@stonebridgemarietta.org.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view March lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
While talking to some kids about the Kingdom of God, a description of heaven was read from The Jesus Storybook Bible. After the description, the kids starting sharing their ideas of what heaven might be like. Things like no tears, no sadness, and no fights were shared. Then, one child asked, “Does that mean no wrestling…and what about candy?!” I guess heaven for this active boy would have to include rolling around on the ground and sugar.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Why are We so Surprised?
I heard on the radio this morning that some Christians captured by ISIS last week had been released yesterday unharmed. The radio announcer said what everyone probably initially wondered- “Why?” Why were these believers released unharmed when others have been killed for their faith?
There is no indication that these believers suddenly denied their faith either in truth or in a lie to save themselves. There is no indication that ISIS was threatened in any real way by a government or other faction that would make them put their arms in the air or wave a white flag. So, again…why?
The answer - God. God intervened in some real and powerful way. He changed the heart of someone within ISIS enough to make them let these brothers and sisters of ours go. God’s army won this battle. And yet, we stand surprised.
We know without a doubt that our God and His heavenly army will win the war against evil in this world, so why are we so surprised when a single battle is won? We all stand in awe when someone is healed. We raise our hands in praise, while also shaking our heads in utter disbelief that the thing we’ve prayed for has actually happened.
I wonder today why this is. Why do we believe in such a big, powerful, all-knowing, and full of love God, but yet are surprised when He moves in mighty ways?
This is where I’m always encouraged as I minister to children. They don’t wonder why or even how. They just believe. They are not surprised in any way when God is so visibly active. The world and the God who created it are both real and mysterious, but yet, they are not confused or surprised by any of it.
When a child ‘gets it’ I am moved to tears, blessed beyond measure, and also (honestly) surprised. Pleasantly surprised, but still- surprised. I’m not alone in this reaction, as parents tell me time and time again how they “can’t believe” their child is growing so much Spiritually or how much they really understand from God’s Word.
Our surprise at how and when God works may be tied to the same surprise we feel when kids “get it.” I believe they are both rooted in how we so easily forget this truth- that we are to become like little children; to humble ourselves like a child.
Matthew 18:1-4- “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
A surprise by definition is to be amazed or astounded because of unexpectedness. If that’s the case, then God and the ways in which He works can be an amazing mystery, but not a surprise. We can expect God to work because He said He would. No surprises, just praises.
This Week’s Announcements:
Mom/Son Game Night: Moms, this is your chance to let that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son. Come join us for this year’s Mom/Son Game Night- Friday, March 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $5 per family. Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Register by visiting www.signupgenius.com and searching under penny@stonebridgemarietta.org.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view March lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
I wish I could list all the AMAZING ways I’ve seen God working in the hearts of our kids. I can’t list them all, but to name a few:
- A five year old who not only politely declines a sweet offered to him because he gave up sweets for Lent, but can then fully explain what Lent is and why he is fasting.
- A second grader who chooses to ask the “bully” of his grade to sit with him during a special lunch because “he may have no one else in his life to show him who Jesus is.”
- A group of 4th and 5th grade girls quietly listening to the Lord and then speaking Truth over another girl for a solid 15 minutes.
There is no indication that these believers suddenly denied their faith either in truth or in a lie to save themselves. There is no indication that ISIS was threatened in any real way by a government or other faction that would make them put their arms in the air or wave a white flag. So, again…why?
The answer - God. God intervened in some real and powerful way. He changed the heart of someone within ISIS enough to make them let these brothers and sisters of ours go. God’s army won this battle. And yet, we stand surprised.
We know without a doubt that our God and His heavenly army will win the war against evil in this world, so why are we so surprised when a single battle is won? We all stand in awe when someone is healed. We raise our hands in praise, while also shaking our heads in utter disbelief that the thing we’ve prayed for has actually happened.
I wonder today why this is. Why do we believe in such a big, powerful, all-knowing, and full of love God, but yet are surprised when He moves in mighty ways?
This is where I’m always encouraged as I minister to children. They don’t wonder why or even how. They just believe. They are not surprised in any way when God is so visibly active. The world and the God who created it are both real and mysterious, but yet, they are not confused or surprised by any of it.
When a child ‘gets it’ I am moved to tears, blessed beyond measure, and also (honestly) surprised. Pleasantly surprised, but still- surprised. I’m not alone in this reaction, as parents tell me time and time again how they “can’t believe” their child is growing so much Spiritually or how much they really understand from God’s Word.
Our surprise at how and when God works may be tied to the same surprise we feel when kids “get it.” I believe they are both rooted in how we so easily forget this truth- that we are to become like little children; to humble ourselves like a child.
Matthew 18:1-4- “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
A surprise by definition is to be amazed or astounded because of unexpectedness. If that’s the case, then God and the ways in which He works can be an amazing mystery, but not a surprise. We can expect God to work because He said He would. No surprises, just praises.
This Week’s Announcements:
Mom/Son Game Night: Moms, this is your chance to let that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son. Come join us for this year’s Mom/Son Game Night- Friday, March 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $5 per family. Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Register by visiting www.signupgenius.com and searching under penny@stonebridgemarietta.org.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view March lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
I wish I could list all the AMAZING ways I’ve seen God working in the hearts of our kids. I can’t list them all, but to name a few:
- A five year old who not only politely declines a sweet offered to him because he gave up sweets for Lent, but can then fully explain what Lent is and why he is fasting.
- A second grader who chooses to ask the “bully” of his grade to sit with him during a special lunch because “he may have no one else in his life to show him who Jesus is.”
- A group of 4th and 5th grade girls quietly listening to the Lord and then speaking Truth over another girl for a solid 15 minutes.
Monday, February 23, 2015
Don't Give Up
This week as I told three parables about lost things (lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son), I was reminded that we have much to be thankful for. We have a God who never gives up.
As those who have found Jesus- or better yet, been found by Him- we can be thankful that we are adopted sons and daughters in the family of our King. All of us at some point or another were the one sheep that He went after. We were all like a lost coin. God did not give up the search. Some of us may have been like the son who ran away, but then after turning to return home, found our Father ready to greet us with open arms.
Luke 19:10- “The Son of Man came to look for the lost and save them.” (NIrV)
My own parable of sorts goes like this…
My sweet grandmother (who passed away a year ago at the age of 96) was my Spiritual mentor. She loved Jesus like no one else I’ve ever known. I watched and listened to her pray. I learned from how she trusted God in the face of tragedy and great heartbreak. As a little girl- probably without being aware of it- I wished and prayed to be like her one day.
That same grandmother did something special for all seven of her grandchildren. On each of our 5th birthdays, she would give us a Bible. The Bibles were leather with gold edged pages, and our names embossed in gold lettering. Every one of us received one- all different colors to match our personalities. (Mine was red and it still resides safely in my nightstand) With the gift of the Bible, she also gave all the girls a gold ring with our birthstone. This was my first piece of real jewelry and I loved it. I wore it every single day without fail. The only time I took it off was at bath and bedtime. This ring was cherished because of who gave it me, not because of any monetary value.
One day when I was around 10 years old, my mom told me to wash my hair. It was long, it was curly, and it was dirty. I decided to wash my hair in the sink instead of getting in the shower. What I didn’t think to do was take off my beloved ring. Two minutes into my wet and soapy hair, the ring slipped off and went down the drain. I immediately turned off the water, and started screaming.
I was a dramatic child, so screaming was not unusual. Even so, the screaming and crying was so intense my daddy came running to see if I had indeed cut off my arm. Between the sobbing and the high pitched storytelling, I’m surprised my dad ever understood what I was saying to him. Once he did, he calmly told me to put a towel on my dripping hair and that he would take care of everything else.
My dad proceeded to take the drain, sink- and even part of the cabinet in the process- apart piece by piece. He was not going to give up looking for my lost ring until he knew without a doubt that it was indeed lost forever. He wouldn’t give up until all hope was lost. I truly believe if my dad could’ve hammered into concrete, he would have done it. Eventually hope was lost and the ring was gone forever.
My dad did not stop looking for a ring until it was clear that all was lost- literally. If my earthly father would do that, then how much more will our heavenly Father keep seeking what is lost? God will not give up on even one sheep until it is clear that all is lost…forever.
If you have family members, friends, co-workers, other soccer parents, or the guy who runs the bar down the street that you’re praying for, keep on praying. If there is someone you’re asking the Lord to keep pursuing, don’t give up. God doesn’t.
This Week’s Announcements:
Mom/Son Game Night: Moms, this is your chance to let that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son. Come join us for this year’s Mom/Son Game Night- Friday, March 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $5 per family. Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Register by visiting www.signupgenius.com and searching under penny@stonebridgemarietta.org.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view February lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
A picture and note from a child: Ur buttfull an i lov u.
(Buttfull- is that like the song “All About the Bass?”)
I’m hoping they meant beautiful instead!
As those who have found Jesus- or better yet, been found by Him- we can be thankful that we are adopted sons and daughters in the family of our King. All of us at some point or another were the one sheep that He went after. We were all like a lost coin. God did not give up the search. Some of us may have been like the son who ran away, but then after turning to return home, found our Father ready to greet us with open arms.
Luke 19:10- “The Son of Man came to look for the lost and save them.” (NIrV)
My own parable of sorts goes like this…
My sweet grandmother (who passed away a year ago at the age of 96) was my Spiritual mentor. She loved Jesus like no one else I’ve ever known. I watched and listened to her pray. I learned from how she trusted God in the face of tragedy and great heartbreak. As a little girl- probably without being aware of it- I wished and prayed to be like her one day.
That same grandmother did something special for all seven of her grandchildren. On each of our 5th birthdays, she would give us a Bible. The Bibles were leather with gold edged pages, and our names embossed in gold lettering. Every one of us received one- all different colors to match our personalities. (Mine was red and it still resides safely in my nightstand) With the gift of the Bible, she also gave all the girls a gold ring with our birthstone. This was my first piece of real jewelry and I loved it. I wore it every single day without fail. The only time I took it off was at bath and bedtime. This ring was cherished because of who gave it me, not because of any monetary value.
One day when I was around 10 years old, my mom told me to wash my hair. It was long, it was curly, and it was dirty. I decided to wash my hair in the sink instead of getting in the shower. What I didn’t think to do was take off my beloved ring. Two minutes into my wet and soapy hair, the ring slipped off and went down the drain. I immediately turned off the water, and started screaming.
I was a dramatic child, so screaming was not unusual. Even so, the screaming and crying was so intense my daddy came running to see if I had indeed cut off my arm. Between the sobbing and the high pitched storytelling, I’m surprised my dad ever understood what I was saying to him. Once he did, he calmly told me to put a towel on my dripping hair and that he would take care of everything else.
My dad proceeded to take the drain, sink- and even part of the cabinet in the process- apart piece by piece. He was not going to give up looking for my lost ring until he knew without a doubt that it was indeed lost forever. He wouldn’t give up until all hope was lost. I truly believe if my dad could’ve hammered into concrete, he would have done it. Eventually hope was lost and the ring was gone forever.
My dad did not stop looking for a ring until it was clear that all was lost- literally. If my earthly father would do that, then how much more will our heavenly Father keep seeking what is lost? God will not give up on even one sheep until it is clear that all is lost…forever.
If you have family members, friends, co-workers, other soccer parents, or the guy who runs the bar down the street that you’re praying for, keep on praying. If there is someone you’re asking the Lord to keep pursuing, don’t give up. God doesn’t.
This Week’s Announcements:
Mom/Son Game Night: Moms, this is your chance to let that hidden tom-boy come out - or at least show your competitive edge- as you enjoy a night of fun with your son. Come join us for this year’s Mom/Son Game Night- Friday, March 20th, 6:30-8:30pm. Registration is required for planning, and the cost is only $5 per family. Moms of all ages, and boys aged 4years old-5th grade may attend. Register by visiting www.signupgenius.com and searching under penny@stonebridgemarietta.org.
What God is Teaching Us:
This section will have links to the previous Sunday’s lessons. Feel free (I encourage it!) to open, read, and review with your children. Click on the links below to view February lessons.
This link is no longer available
Amazing Things Kids Do and Say…
A picture and note from a child: Ur buttfull an i lov u.
(Buttfull- is that like the song “All About the Bass?”)
I’m hoping they meant beautiful instead!
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