My grandmother asked me the other day if I would meet her this morning and help her with something she needed to get done. I, of course, told her I would! So the kids and I spent the morning seeing her and my sweet granddaddy.
Today, I am so very thankful for both of my grandparents. They live about 5 minutes up the road from me, so I am able to see them often. I am thankful for that.
For the last several weeks, my grandparents have been so sweet to keep my kids about once a week, so I could go to town to the chiropractor. It was something I needed to do, but, with 4 kids in tow, I simply wasn't able to do. But they helped me out so that I could do that.
I am thankful for all that I have learned from both of them over the course of my life. They have both been such a big part of my life, and I am who I am today because of the influence of them.
God has been so good to allow me to have these great people for such a long time. And for every day that I get to spend with them, and for every hug and kiss on the cheek I get from them, I am truly grateful.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Gratitude Project 2011 - Day 9
Today, the kids and I went to our homeschool co-op. We go every Wednesday, and we all really enjoy it. Today, I am thankful that Brient and I decided to join co-op. For a very long time, I had a very bad opinion of co-op, and really didn't care a thing in the world about joining. But I am so thankful for my sweet friend, Juliann, who encouraged me to give it a try, because, well, we are really glad we joined! Each week, the kids get to see some great homeschool friends, which is a really good thing seeing as how they don't see kids each day like they would if they were in public or private school. This gives them some really needed interaction with kids their age. And I am so very, very thankful for all the great mama friends I have made! These ladies are just great, and I don't know what I would do if I didn't have friends like them. I am so thankful for all of them!! God is so good to give me and my kids friends like these!
K Magazine Review and Blog Giveaway Time!!
Children's ministry is something I am very passionate about. God called me to this ministry many years ago, but it has only been in the last two years that I have actually submitted to that calling and begun working as a children's minister. For awhile, I just sort of went on what I knew - things I had been taught as a child and things I had seen other children's ministers teach. But there came a point last year where I knew I was becoming stagnant in my children's church. I knew I needed to go beyond what I already knew, beyond my own thinking, and branch out to see what other resources and ideas were available.
A dear friend of mine, Larry (who happens to be the youth pastor at my church), suggested that I purchase a subscription to a children's ministry magazine. He told me about the magazines he gets that are geared for youth ministry, and thought I might benefit from something similar. So I looked online to see what was out there. There are so many things that one can find online that it can actually be a little overwhelming. Adding that to the fact that many of the ideas people are using are out of date and not nearly as effective for this generation of children, after all that searching, I didn't really come up with much. Then I looked for children's ministry magazines. There are only a hand full out there, and they each cost roughly $20 for a yearly subscription. I couldn't afford to get them all, so I had to pick.
The magazine that stuck out the most was called K Magazine, and is put out by Kidz Matter. I will admit, the title didn't look that interesting. But the more I thought about it and looked at some of the things they had in this thing, the more sure I was that this was the one I needed. It wasn't until I got my first issue that I was ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN this was the magazine that was going to provide me with the resources I needed to move me forward in children's ministry.
The theme of my first issue was "Leadership." That was something I had been trying to get some direction on, but didn't really know where to start. The articles were so helpful, and I have read most of them several times. I have plans to pass that issue on to others working in children's ministry in my church, but so far I can't come to part with it. I just keep picking it up and re-reading it!
The article that I enjoyed the most was titled "Full Steam Ahead," and was written by Tina Houser. Mrs. Houser talks about the power of momentum in your children's ministry, and how to go about fueling that momentum so that it is like a train that can't be stopped. She showed the importance of declaring your vision and sticking with it, jumping right into things rather than slowly getting into the race, and pouncing on opportunities that land in your lap. Being a step ahead of the game helps you to keep moving, instead of just coasting along in your ministry. She shows how to multiply your effectiveness by increasing your mass (people who work in children's ministry with you), how to set up wins for your team, the importance of plowing through obstacles that stand in your way, how to go public with what you are doing with your group, and the necessity of continually evaluating what and how you are doing. She hit the nail right on the head with that lesson on momentum.
Each issue is packed with so many great articles, it is hard to put the magazine down once I get started reading! And the articles are written by very experienced children's ministers such as Tina Houser, Roger Fields, Ryan Frank, Jim Wideman, Greg Baird, and so many more! You get great articles from experts in the field of children's ministry, ideas for ways to add some excitement to your lessons, decor, and overall ministry, encouragement for when you feel like things aren't going just right or like you're not making a difference, and loads of information on curriculum and products out there just for you! I am looking forward to the next issue, because the theme is "Creativity in Ministry." I need all the help I can get in that area! It's going to be a great issue!
If you want to check out this AMAZING magazine, along with plenty of other children's ministry resources, take a look at their web site! Or you can give these lovely people a call toll free at 877-568-2437. You will get to talk to an actual PERSON, and they are all very friendly! For $19.95, you get six completely PACKED issues!
BUT, I am so EXCITED to tell you that I am GIVING AWAY a full year subscription for my blog giveaway today! The good folks at Kidz Matter have graciously provided me with this prize, and one of my followers is going to win it! You are definitely going to want this prize! I promise!!
Here's how to enter. First, you MUST be a follower on my blog. So if you haven't clicked the "Join This Site" button on the right, go do that now. GO! GO! GO!! If you are a follower through another site, such as Google Reader, you need to leave me a comment and let me know. Everyone who FOLLOWS my blog gets entered automatically! YAY!!
If you would like to have an additional entry, here's what to do. Leave me a comment telling me why you want to win this prize, and/or if you would keep it or give it to someone else. Hey, I know all of you lovely people aren't children's ministers like me, and might not actually use something like this. But remember, kids ministry is a HUGE thing to God, and you could definitely pass this on to whomever has the privilege of being in charge of this ministry in your church! So whether you keep it or give it away matters not. You still REALLY want to win this!!
And for one more additional entry, post a link to this blog post on Facebook or Twitter telling all your friends about my prize giveaway! Then you need to come back here and leave me a comment letting me know where you posted the link.
Be sure to leave me your e-mail address in your comment, so I can contact you if your name is drawn.
So there you have it. You have three ways to enter. The contest will run until Monday, November 14, so you all will have plenty of time to enter.
This magazine has been so helpful to me in my children's ministry, and I just can't WAIT to give away a subscription to one of you!! And if you just can't wait until Monday, or if you want to go purchase a copy for someone else, head on over there to the Kidz Matter website and pick up a subscription. You will NOT be sorry!!
*And a BIG THANK YOU to Hip Homeschool Moms for letting me post my giveaway to their site!! Go check them out!
A dear friend of mine, Larry (who happens to be the youth pastor at my church), suggested that I purchase a subscription to a children's ministry magazine. He told me about the magazines he gets that are geared for youth ministry, and thought I might benefit from something similar. So I looked online to see what was out there. There are so many things that one can find online that it can actually be a little overwhelming. Adding that to the fact that many of the ideas people are using are out of date and not nearly as effective for this generation of children, after all that searching, I didn't really come up with much. Then I looked for children's ministry magazines. There are only a hand full out there, and they each cost roughly $20 for a yearly subscription. I couldn't afford to get them all, so I had to pick.
The theme of my first issue was "Leadership." That was something I had been trying to get some direction on, but didn't really know where to start. The articles were so helpful, and I have read most of them several times. I have plans to pass that issue on to others working in children's ministry in my church, but so far I can't come to part with it. I just keep picking it up and re-reading it!
The article that I enjoyed the most was titled "Full Steam Ahead," and was written by Tina Houser. Mrs. Houser talks about the power of momentum in your children's ministry, and how to go about fueling that momentum so that it is like a train that can't be stopped. She showed the importance of declaring your vision and sticking with it, jumping right into things rather than slowly getting into the race, and pouncing on opportunities that land in your lap. Being a step ahead of the game helps you to keep moving, instead of just coasting along in your ministry. She shows how to multiply your effectiveness by increasing your mass (people who work in children's ministry with you), how to set up wins for your team, the importance of plowing through obstacles that stand in your way, how to go public with what you are doing with your group, and the necessity of continually evaluating what and how you are doing. She hit the nail right on the head with that lesson on momentum.
Each issue is packed with so many great articles, it is hard to put the magazine down once I get started reading! And the articles are written by very experienced children's ministers such as Tina Houser, Roger Fields, Ryan Frank, Jim Wideman, Greg Baird, and so many more! You get great articles from experts in the field of children's ministry, ideas for ways to add some excitement to your lessons, decor, and overall ministry, encouragement for when you feel like things aren't going just right or like you're not making a difference, and loads of information on curriculum and products out there just for you! I am looking forward to the next issue, because the theme is "Creativity in Ministry." I need all the help I can get in that area! It's going to be a great issue!
If you want to check out this AMAZING magazine, along with plenty of other children's ministry resources, take a look at their web site! Or you can give these lovely people a call toll free at 877-568-2437. You will get to talk to an actual PERSON, and they are all very friendly! For $19.95, you get six completely PACKED issues!
BUT, I am so EXCITED to tell you that I am GIVING AWAY a full year subscription for my blog giveaway today! The good folks at Kidz Matter have graciously provided me with this prize, and one of my followers is going to win it! You are definitely going to want this prize! I promise!!
Here's how to enter. First, you MUST be a follower on my blog. So if you haven't clicked the "Join This Site" button on the right, go do that now. GO! GO! GO!! If you are a follower through another site, such as Google Reader, you need to leave me a comment and let me know. Everyone who FOLLOWS my blog gets entered automatically! YAY!!
If you would like to have an additional entry, here's what to do. Leave me a comment telling me why you want to win this prize, and/or if you would keep it or give it to someone else. Hey, I know all of you lovely people aren't children's ministers like me, and might not actually use something like this. But remember, kids ministry is a HUGE thing to God, and you could definitely pass this on to whomever has the privilege of being in charge of this ministry in your church! So whether you keep it or give it away matters not. You still REALLY want to win this!!
And for one more additional entry, post a link to this blog post on Facebook or Twitter telling all your friends about my prize giveaway! Then you need to come back here and leave me a comment letting me know where you posted the link.
Be sure to leave me your e-mail address in your comment, so I can contact you if your name is drawn.
So there you have it. You have three ways to enter. The contest will run until Monday, November 14, so you all will have plenty of time to enter.
This magazine has been so helpful to me in my children's ministry, and I just can't WAIT to give away a subscription to one of you!! And if you just can't wait until Monday, or if you want to go purchase a copy for someone else, head on over there to the Kidz Matter website and pick up a subscription. You will NOT be sorry!!
*And a BIG THANK YOU to Hip Homeschool Moms for letting me post my giveaway to their site!! Go check them out!
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
The Gratitude Project 2011 - Day 8
Tonight, as I sit down to think of the things for which I am thankful, I hear the rain as the wind blows it against the outside of my window. It has been such a long, hot, dry summer here in the Deep South, and now that fall is finally here, we are getting a slight reprieve. So right now, I am very, very thankful for the downpour that God is sending on my house. Yes, there are some severe weather threats out right now, but I am trusting in my God to protect us from whatever weather He sends. And in the meantime, I will be sitting back for the rest of the evening listening to the lovely sound of wet outside and will be remembering how thankful I am that God has sent that rain!
Monday, November 7, 2011
The Gratitude Project 2011 - Days 4, 5, 6, and 7
Yeah, yeah, I know I'm behind here. But I have a VERY good reason for missing a few days posts on The Gratitude Project. Brient and I have been out of town since Friday doing kids ministry at a church during their revival. It was AWESOME!! So now I have a moment to think, and I can sit down and play catch up on the things for which I am thankful.
Day 4: Friday morning, Brient, the kids, and I pulled out of our driveway heading to a town about two hours away. They called us a few weeks ago asking if we would come do children's ministry at their church during their revival for this weekend, and we were THRILLED to be going! In a day or so, after I have rested a bit, I will give you a good idea about all the ministry that went on there this weekend! But for Friday's Gratitude Project, I was thankful for several things. I was thankful that we made it safely to our destination. We pulled my in-law's camper to stay in, and I was very grateful they let us borrow it. The church where we were ministering was very gracious and took us out for supper Friday night, and I was thankful! I was really thankful for all the kids that came to our program! And most importantly, Friday night I was SO THANKFUL for the FIVE kids who gave their lives to Jesus! YAY GOD!
Day 5: On Saturday, I woke up thankful for a great nights sleep in the RV park. The five of us went shopping around town a bit, and I was thankful for some time with my girls at Build-A-Bear Workshop. After shopping, we went to a hands-on children's science museum. My friend met us there, because she said she had season passes and could get us in FREE!! I was VERY thankful for her going out of her way to do that for us! And I was thankful she brought her son back up there to play with us, because Little Man just LOVES to play with him! I was thankful that, while thinking on my lesson for the night, I was open to the Spirit leading me to change my game plan at the last minute. Instead of my original lesson, I listened to God and changed to a lesson on how to be born again on the inside. And I was thankful for each kid that came Saturday night to hear that message God had for them. My friend, Ray, and his daughter, Emilee, came over for the revival that evening. I was ESPECIALLY thankful that Emilee asked if she could hang out with us and help us out!! I seriously had been praying about how we were going to pray with that many kids, when it was just myself and Brient. God sent her at the perfect time, and it was such a blessing seeing her pray with the kids that needed prayer.
Day 6: On Sunday morning at around eight o'clock, my sweet Baby Girl turned THREE! WOW! Where did the time go? I was a little disappointed that she wasn't there with us so we could celebrate her special day. But I was thinking how thankful I was that her Mamaw and Papaw had kept her for the weekend, and I knew she was going to have a blast with them! I am so thankful that God gave me that sweet girl, even though she does wear me out more than the other three combined! I was thankful that morning, also, that we had the chance to take the kids from that church up on stage during the service to sing a song, so the church could see a little of what we had been doing all weekend. It's always good to be seen by the congregation, so people don't forget about you back there or think you are just babysitting their kids. I was thankful that we had some new kiddos in children's church that morning, and thankful that we had such a great time of learning. It was awesome to see so many kids come down front to just pray about some things. LOVE seeing kids talk to God! I was thankful that the church took us out to eat lunch after church, because I was so tired after the long weekend that I really didn't want to cook in the camper. We spent the afternoon at some friends' house, and I was thankful for a chance to run away with my friend for a while to go do some shopping. We took Britches, too, because she loves shopping! And last night, I was thankful for a great time with the kids, some great hugs to end the weekend and say good-bye, supper before we left, and a safe trip home back to my own bed!
This weekend was FILLED with things for which to be thankful. This weekend in itself was an answer to some prayers that I have been offering up for quite awhile now, and that was something for which to be thankful! In a day or so, I'll sit down and actually tell you all the goings-on from this weekend. But for right now, for this 7th day, I am thankful to have my baby back home with us, and to be able to spend this day resting up from the amazing weekend of ministry! And you know what?? I can't wait to do it all again!!
Day 4: Friday morning, Brient, the kids, and I pulled out of our driveway heading to a town about two hours away. They called us a few weeks ago asking if we would come do children's ministry at their church during their revival for this weekend, and we were THRILLED to be going! In a day or so, after I have rested a bit, I will give you a good idea about all the ministry that went on there this weekend! But for Friday's Gratitude Project, I was thankful for several things. I was thankful that we made it safely to our destination. We pulled my in-law's camper to stay in, and I was very grateful they let us borrow it. The church where we were ministering was very gracious and took us out for supper Friday night, and I was thankful! I was really thankful for all the kids that came to our program! And most importantly, Friday night I was SO THANKFUL for the FIVE kids who gave their lives to Jesus! YAY GOD!
Day 5: On Saturday, I woke up thankful for a great nights sleep in the RV park. The five of us went shopping around town a bit, and I was thankful for some time with my girls at Build-A-Bear Workshop. After shopping, we went to a hands-on children's science museum. My friend met us there, because she said she had season passes and could get us in FREE!! I was VERY thankful for her going out of her way to do that for us! And I was thankful she brought her son back up there to play with us, because Little Man just LOVES to play with him! I was thankful that, while thinking on my lesson for the night, I was open to the Spirit leading me to change my game plan at the last minute. Instead of my original lesson, I listened to God and changed to a lesson on how to be born again on the inside. And I was thankful for each kid that came Saturday night to hear that message God had for them. My friend, Ray, and his daughter, Emilee, came over for the revival that evening. I was ESPECIALLY thankful that Emilee asked if she could hang out with us and help us out!! I seriously had been praying about how we were going to pray with that many kids, when it was just myself and Brient. God sent her at the perfect time, and it was such a blessing seeing her pray with the kids that needed prayer.
Day 6: On Sunday morning at around eight o'clock, my sweet Baby Girl turned THREE! WOW! Where did the time go? I was a little disappointed that she wasn't there with us so we could celebrate her special day. But I was thinking how thankful I was that her Mamaw and Papaw had kept her for the weekend, and I knew she was going to have a blast with them! I am so thankful that God gave me that sweet girl, even though she does wear me out more than the other three combined! I was thankful that morning, also, that we had the chance to take the kids from that church up on stage during the service to sing a song, so the church could see a little of what we had been doing all weekend. It's always good to be seen by the congregation, so people don't forget about you back there or think you are just babysitting their kids. I was thankful that we had some new kiddos in children's church that morning, and thankful that we had such a great time of learning. It was awesome to see so many kids come down front to just pray about some things. LOVE seeing kids talk to God! I was thankful that the church took us out to eat lunch after church, because I was so tired after the long weekend that I really didn't want to cook in the camper. We spent the afternoon at some friends' house, and I was thankful for a chance to run away with my friend for a while to go do some shopping. We took Britches, too, because she loves shopping! And last night, I was thankful for a great time with the kids, some great hugs to end the weekend and say good-bye, supper before we left, and a safe trip home back to my own bed!
This weekend was FILLED with things for which to be thankful. This weekend in itself was an answer to some prayers that I have been offering up for quite awhile now, and that was something for which to be thankful! In a day or so, I'll sit down and actually tell you all the goings-on from this weekend. But for right now, for this 7th day, I am thankful to have my baby back home with us, and to be able to spend this day resting up from the amazing weekend of ministry! And you know what?? I can't wait to do it all again!!
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