Missions Monday

It's time for Missions Monday.

Every Monday I will introduce you to some great charities that you can get involved in. When I say get involved, I mean you can donate your money, time, and/or pray for these organizations who are doing amazing things to help people.

Today I would like to introduce you to

Luo.

From the website:

"LUO is a non profit organization dedicated to promoting economic sustainability and improving quality of life. We do this through providing:

Nutrition

Biblical Curriculum

Academic Education

Medical Care

We partner with locally based agencies in impoverished areas that have first hand knowledge of the needs and the culture. We work to EMPOWER them to effectively provide needed servides to the children in their communities. We work to set these children FREE from the bondage of poverty."

You can learn more about this organization by visiting their website here:

LUO - Website.

You can connect with them on Facebook here:

LUO - Facebook

and you can follow them on Twitter here:

LUO - Twitter.

More Orange Please

Today's session started out with a tribute to Thriller which was pretty cool.

Joel Mamby and Craig Jutila spoke briefly, but the main speaker today was Craig Groeschel. He asked a question to begin his talk which was "What do you think success is in leading the next generation?" Culture says success is raising well rounded, well educated, happy kids. When in reality we are called to unleash single minded, Christ centered, biblically anchored world changers.

Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.

Psalm 71:18

I really enjoyed him sharing more about Deuteronomy 6:4-9.

Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Stating that we need to enlist supporting voices - others that will come alongside us as parents imparting spiritual wisdom. 

He stated that we need to raise the expectations of the next generation. We have a generation that we aren't asking much of today and most have been raised to feel entitled. He asked how many 11 year olds think they can be a mentor? Those that are told that they can! This generation needs to know that their church believes in them.

We need to keep it real. Incorporate talking about God in all that you do. God is not a part of our lives. He is everything! Going to church is not what we do. It is who we are. We are the church! Christianity is not something we do. It is who we are.

Opening Orange

Officially opening my time here at Orange tonight was running into Barbara and her team.

The time of worship tonight was fantastic. The icing on the cake was getting to take communion with some of my favorite people. Loved that I got to spend that time with Amy Dolan, Henry Zonio, and Andy Hayball.

Reggie Joiner spoke tonight and shared a really good word. He talked about the fact that if we are going to do what we are called to do (not signed up for), then it will be messy. The gospel is messy because the cross was messy.

My favorite quote from him tonight was "Be careful you don't minimize what Jesus maximized. Love God. Love your neighbor."

Looking forward to all that God has in store for me tomorrow...

Orange Bound

Today I am heading to the Orange Conference and wanted to share the breakouts that I will be attending on Thursday. I will be blogging and tweeting about them throughout the day. Really looking forward to all I will be learning from these incredible leaders.

Volunteer Meet Parent - Sue Miller

We talk a lot about the importance of connecting with parents when thinking Orange. But what would a volunteer say to a child's parents? What should a volunteer hope to accomplish when connecting? What if the parent doesn't want to connect with the ministry volunteer? This topic is becoming more and more important as we seek to train our volunteers! Let's explore the answers to these questions and get a handle on what this can look like in your church.

Turning Rotating Volunteers into Regular Servers - Sue Miller

So many of us struggle with volunteers who do not want to commit to serving regularly in our ministry. What can we do to help them catch the vision for becoming a regular small group leader? Learn what other leaders have tried that proved effective in giving children a circle of friends with the same leader each week.

Transitioning to a Small Group Model - Tom Shefchunas

Are you a small group based ministry? Or do you just say you are? There is more to transitioning from a traditional Sunday School Model to a small groups based model than changing the words you use to describe it. Join Tom Shefchunas, Director of Transit (Middle School) for North Point Ministries, as he discusses what it takes to move your church from a traditional model to a true small group model.

The Private Life of the Public Leader - Doug Fields

As a ministry leader your life is being watched - whether you want it to be or not, you're a public figure! Beneath the skin of that public persona is a private world that must be healthy for the public ministry to thrive. There's a constant tension between these two worlds because the teenagers, parents, church staff, and congregants have heavy expectations that often dismantle the inner world of a leader. In this workshop we'll be talking about protecting, developing and strengthening the inner world. Ministry is a marathon and leaders need to learn to pace themselves to survive and thrive.



Going Orange

This week is the Orange Conference where people passionate about pouring into the next generation will gather to learn, worship, and connect in a wonderful way. I have attended the last few years and until yesterday morning thought I was not going to make it this year. After praying all weekend for God to provide a way for me to attend, I received a phone call from a friend in the morning. God made it happen through the generosity of a good friend.

I'm totally going Orange!

Here are some of the breakouts that I hope to attend:

Teaching the Character of Christ - Reggie Joiner

Values of a Small Group Leader - Tom Shefchunas

Prioritizing Small Groups at Every Stage of Life - Kendra Fleming

Fifth and Sixth Grade Transition - Dan Scott

I will be blogging and tweeting from the conference along with a bunch of other people that will be there.

You can follow the official Orange Bloggers here:

Orange Bloggers.

You can also go to Kidmin1124 to follow the #OC12 Twitter stream here:

Kidmin1124 - Orange Twitter Stream.

Most of all I am really looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Having conversations.

So if you see me (I'll be the one with purple sparkly shoes), let's totally chat!

Missions Monday

It's time for Missions Monday.

Every Monday I will introduce you to some great charities that you can get involved in. When I say get involved, I mean you can donate your money, time, and/or pray for these organizations who are doing amazing things to help people.

Today I would like to introduce you to

Lost Sheep Ministry.

From the website:

Our mission is to provide restoration through the saving power of Jesus Christ.

Here’s how we accomplish it:

■Provide love to the lost, hurting, and forgotten children of God.

■Provide addiction rehabilitation guidance for victorious living.

■Share Jesus’ love and good news one-on-one with those in need.

■Serve a meal and distribute clothing to the homeless each week “under the bridge.”

■Provide alternatives and support for teens in the city.

■Coordinate assistance from churches and social agencies to help people in need.

You can learn more about this organization and how to get involved by visiting their website here:

Lost Sheep Ministry - Website

and you can connect with them on Facebook here:

Lost Sheep Ministry - Facebook.

Raising Grazers

I am raising grazers.

It began when they were toddlers. Very rarely would any of my boys stand still let alone sit to eat. Instead it would be like a drive-by meal. I would cut everything up into little pieces for their little hands. Finger foods were a staple so they could grab and go.

When my firstborn started this I went to our pediatrician and nervously asked if this should be something I should be concerned about. He asked one question that stuck with me..."Is he getting the food that he needs?" When I answered "yes", he then assured me that was all that mattered. So I relaxed and went with it. It was easier to recognize with my next two and I adapted to their grazing habits as well.

Much has changed since those toddler years. Yes, they do sit down for meals now with only the occasional drive-by. Their grazing habits are still there, but have manifested in different areas now.

I have learned that lengthy conversations is one of those areas. They will listen for a short period of time and then there comes the point where their eyes get that glazed look and I just know something has clicked for them. They have entered the TMI zone and their brains have hit information overload.

So I have adjusted those conversations to be brief, but packed full of what they need to hear. There are less glazed looks and zoning out during the chats. I remember the question the pediatrician asked all those years ago to reassure me. I know that it doesn't really matter that they are getting it in smaller bites. The important thing is that they are getting what they need.

Hold My Hand Mommy!

When my boys were very little, they loved taking walks and holding my hand. We would walk down a path chatting away about our days. As they got older, they would still hold my hand as we walked, but there would be brief moments when they would run ahead with me chasing after them. Today my two oldest hold my hand less frequently with rare moments that they grab hold of my hand. My youngest and I still hold hands as we walk together. Today all three of them are secure in knowing that I am walking with them and my hand is always there for them to hold onto.

I was thinking today of how similar this is to walking with my heavenly Father. I cherish those times when I walk along the path holding His hand. I still have those moments where I let go and run ahead and He chases me to bring me back to the path. I too am secure in knowing He walks with me and His hand is always there for me to hold.

Those walks with my sons are an example to me and to them of a loving Father who longs to hold hands with His children. Today I so look forward to those moments that begin with, “Hold my hand Mommy!” I know He does too.

Not Just Eric's Trap

Today I want to share with you a book that I've read - The Eric Trap by Jim Wideman, Sam Luce, & Kenny Conley.

The Eric Trap is a story of a week in the life of a children's pastor, Eric Neuman.

I was excited to read this book as a volunteer in children's ministry hoping to get a peek into the life of a children's pastor. Instead what I came to realize as I read Eric's story is that...

I am Eric Newman.

You see, this book just isn't about a children's pastor. It is about a person who leads. I have walked in Eric's steps. Yes, even as a volunteer I have had some of those same challenges. These aren't just Eric's traps. They are mine as well. I would go as far to say they could be yours too.

One of the great things about this book is that you aren't left just identifying with Eric. Several wise people who have also walked in Eric's steps share what they have learned in their leadership journey to help you avoid these mistakes or to help you walk through the mistakes to the other side. And if you lead anywhere in any capacity, these principles are ones you need to hear. I know that I did.

To read more about The Eric Trap and those who have written it, you can visit the website here:

The Eric Trap.

You can also follow Eric Newman on Twitter here:

Eric Newman.

Abide in Me...

Abide in Me...

I can't get this phrase out of my head today.
Abide means make a home.
What makes a home?

Donnie and I have moved around a bit in the time that we have been married and our home has never been just about shared space. It's never been about the building surrounding us. It has always been about a shared life.
Moments. Conversations. Meals.
Everything we share. 

Isn't that what Jesus was talking about...a shared life? It isn't about where I meet with Him. It's about what I share with Him.
That's home.
That's abide.

Missions Monday

It's time for Missions Monday.

Every Monday I will introduce you to some great charities that you can get involved in. When I say get involved, I mean you can donate your money, time, and/or pray for these organizations who are doing amazing things to help people.

Today I would like to introduce you to

Free the Girls.

From the website:

"We provide an opportunity for women who have been rescued from sex trafficking to earn a living selling second-hand clothing while they go back to school. Many of the women we work with were sold into prostitution as children, only 8-10 years old. Because their lives were stolen from them, they missed out on going to school and getting an education. Selling clothes allows them to work as much or as little as their school schedule permits."

You can learn more about this organization and ways you can get involved by visiting their website here:

Free the Girls - Website.

You can connect with them on Facebook here:

Free the Girls - Facebook

and follow them on Twitter here:

Free the Girls - Twitter.

Making the Most of Family Time



One of the workshops I attended at the KidMin Conference last year was "Working with Parents: What They Do and Don’t Need from Us" with Gina McClain. One of the things she shared has me thinking a lot about family time. She suggested that rather than giving parents something else to do during family time, we should be encouraging and helping them enhance what they are already doing with their families.

Here are some suggestions:

Tuck In Time – Most parents with younger children are tucking them in at night as part of a bedtime routine. This is an opportunity to suggest a book to read at bedtime along with questions to go with that book. A worship song could also be added to the routine. It is also a time to encourage parents to pray with and for their children.

Dinner Time – Gina shared that statistically children who have family dinner three times a week do better educationally than those who don’t. She asked if then wouldn’t that be true spiritually as well. We could give parents suggestions on topics for discussions during this time by giving them a box with question/scripture cards that would prompt conversation.

Drive Time – Most parents spend a significant time in the car with their children driving to school, the store, practices, games, and recitals. This is an opportunity to provide conversation starters as well. Maybe in the form of a card that could hang on the rear view mirror or on the dashboard.

Movie Time – Rather than schedule a movie night at the church, we could provide everything needed to have movie nights for families in their homes. We could suggest a movie to watch along with discussion questions for parents.

One of the most important things that we can do is encourage parents in what they are already doing with their children rather than being critical of what they aren’t doing. Equipping them to enhance their family time together is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. It will have lasting effects not only on their children, but their families as a whole.

Previously shared at Kidmin1124.

Missions Monday

It's time for Missions Monday.

Every Monday I will introduce you to some great charities that you can get involved in. When I say get involved, I mean you can donate your money, time, and/or pray for these organizations who are doing amazing things to help people.

Today I would like to introduce you to

Visiting Orphans.

From the website:

Visiting Orphans works to fulfill the biblical mandate given in James 1:27 of "visiting orphans" in their distress.

Our Mission:

Visiting Orphans conducts many missions trips for churches, schools, and individuals from around the United States to orphanages all around the world including China, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Ecuador, Ukraine, Haiti, El Salvador, Honduras, India and Costa Rica.

To awaken the body of Christ to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the 163 million orphans by visiting them, loving them, and sharing the Father’s heart.

Our Vision:

•To enlist Church volunteers to visit orphanages so they may meet physical, emotional and spiritual needs of orphans.

•To develop relationships, provide comfort and to share the Gospel with orphans.

•To provide financial aid for child sponsorship, medical assistance and construction to improve the living conditions of orphans.

•To mobilize Christian churches to help orphans experience the blessing of family.

You can learn more about this organization and how you can get involved by visiting their website here:

Visiting Orphans - Website.

You can connect with them on Facebook here:

Visiting Orphans - Facebook

and follow them on Twitter here:

Visiting Orphans - Twitter.

What I'm Reading

This wonderful book by Gary Chapman is one of my favorites.
In it he shares the 5 love languages of children which are:

• physical touch
• words of affirmation
• quality time
• gifts
• acts of service

"Every child has a primary language of love, a way in which he or she understands a parent's love best.

The 5 Love Languages of Children will introduce you to all five love languages of children and help you determine the primary languages in which your child hears your love."

-Gary Chapman

So how does this look for my own children?

My oldest son's love language is words of affirmation. This means that the way he receives my love best is through words of encouragement, compliments, and sometimes just through conversations.

My middle son's love language is physical touch. This means that the way he receives love best from me is through hugs, a pat on the back, and sometimes just cuddling on the couch.

My youngest son's love language is quality time. That means that the way he receives love from me best is by spending time together reading a book, family dinners, and sometimes watching him play video games.

This book is a wonderful resource for parents and for those who serve in children's ministry as well. I see all 5 of these love languages represented in the girls I lead in small group each week. Knowing and recognizing their love languages helps me in building relationships with them.

You can purchase the book here:

The 5 Love Languages of Children.

You can also follow the author here:

Gary Chapman - Twitter.





Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.



What I'm Reading

This is a wonderful book by Gary Chapman to go along with The 5 Love Languages of Children.

It is a story of 5 children who learn about the importance of love. Mr. Chapman and his collection of pets lead them on a journey to discover their individual love languages.

I read this book with my youngest son and he loved it. He especially loved the interactive "find the..." parts in it.

You can purchase the book here:

A Perfect Pet for Peyton.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.



What I'm Reading

This book by Jonathan Falwell is a great read. It is a journey through the 3 years of Jesus' ministry here on earth to learn from His teachings and apply them to our lives today.

There are questions at the end of every chapter that can be used for individual or small group study. There is also a Bible study guide at the back of the book with leader helps.

You can purchase the book here:

1,000 Days: The Ministry of Christ.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.