Just Call Me Foolish!

"Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God."

—1 Corinthians 1:27–29

Encouragement for Today

God's ways often, if not usually, run counter to the world's approaches. If we are following God's ways, we can expect friction. We can expect to be considered foolish. Which leads to this question for each of us: Do I seek the world's "stuff" (power, wealth, knowledge, for instance) more than favor with God? —Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

I often wonder why God chose to use me in ministry. I wonder what He saw in me that He valued enough to do His Work through me. In my own eyes, I wasn't anything or anyone that special. Sure, I had hopes and dreams to do great things, but it seemed the harder I tried to succeed in this world, the further I was from the earthly success that I desired. I always felt that I came up short, and not just in stature:-) I wasn't pretty enough, or smart enough, or wise enough, rich enough, tough enough, or aggressive enough. I often felt foolish among my coworkers as I tried to achieve and succeed on the job. Please understand, I did achieve earthly success and was moving up the career ladder. I was a very hard worker. However, I just didn't feel like I was ever fully taken seriously or respected. Then I began to feel that I just didn't have what it took. Was it because I was a woman? Was it because I was young? Was it because I was too nice or didn't have a commanding appearance? Now, in retrospect, I realize that my feeling of inadequacy was because I placed my self worth in the wrong things. My identity was wrapped up in worldly success, or lack thereof, instead of in THE ONE who CREATED ME to begin with.

As I've said before, cancer turned my life around. Yes, the 'c' word. Up to that point, I was a believer, but not one who necessarily lived wholly for Christ. God got my attention the day I was diagnosed with cancer. He used that one single event to propel me on to 'life more abundant.' A life whose value no longer was based upon who the world said I was, but who my CREATOR said I am in CHRIST JESUS! I am HIS CHILD, a MEMBER of the BODY of CHRIST, HIS MASTERPIECE. And friend, so are you!

I may not have achieved all of the goals and dreams of success that I had the day I graduated from college. I may not be much when assessed by the standards of this world. But that doesn't matter anymore. The standards I heed to are much higher than that of this world's. The success I seek is not my own, but that of my Heavenly Father's. And yes, at times, the decisions Scott and I make, the actions we take, may look foolish from a worldly perspective. But, they are made with FULL TRUST in THE ONE who holds the future in His loving hands. I know my God has a much better plan, a perfect plan in place that I am honored to be a willing participant in.

How about you, friend? Are you living up to the world's standard's, living for the approval of people? Or, are you tossing caution to the wind, living in 'foolish' trust and obedience to the ONE who deserves all of you?

In His Love, Cathy

PCC Children's E-News

THIS WEDNESDAY, April 29

UNITE PICNIC

Churchwide picnic at Conner's Park

Bring something good to grill:-)

- No VBS Worship Team Practice

- No VBS Decorating

VBS HELP STILL NEEDED

contact me at pcckidzministry@aol.com

VBS 2009 Boomerang Express

June 15-19 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

PK (3 years AND potty trained) through 4th grade (or older)

INVITE KIDS TO COME JOIN US FOR A WEEK OF FUN, FELLOWSHIP, and FAITH!

WELCOME LITTLE NATHAN ALEXANDER!

Proud parents are Becky and Scott H. and big sister Sarah.

Nathan made his arrival very quickly on Monday, April 27 weighing in at 7 lbs. 8 oz.

Thanks to Mrs. Lorraine who kept us posted!

If you can help with meals for this family that is new to our church family, please let me know ASAP!

PRAYER REQUESTS

1. Please pray for Jodi B's Dad. Jodi serves faithfully in children's ministry, teaching 2nd service and leads the children's musical presentations at the manor. Her dad is in Baptist Hospital expecting surgery.
2. Please pray for Jeff and Terri F who are in Houston with their girls. Jeff is undergoing testing. Please pray for his COMPLETE and TOTAL HEALING!


In His Love, Cathy

ROCK SOLID: What Your Child Learned in Church Today, Sunday April 26

Bible Lesson: 1 Samuel 9

Bible Verse: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105 NIV

Main Point: The Bible is our guide, we should do what it says.

Today's Lesson Summary:

In today's lesson children saw how God can direct the events in our lives to guide us towards what He has called us to accomplish. It is up to us to be obedient, follow the direction God provides and use the abilities that He has given us.

Today, we learned Saul's journey to becoming King began by simply being obedient to his father and going to look for the lost donkeys. God can use similar acts of obedience in our lives to begin the journeys that He has planned for us. Just as Saul sought out the help of Samuel, we should seek out the Godly resources that God places in our path to find those things which may be hidden from us.

Training Up a Child Homework:

1. MEMORY VERSE: Help your child memorize this key Bible passage in the upcoming week. Discuss how the bible is like a road map for life.

2. Bible Reading this Week: Read 1 Samuel Chapter 9 with your child. Our lesson only touched on verses 1-6 and 15-17.

3. Suggested Parent/Child Activity: Explain that God is pleased when we do our best, no matter how small the job is. Over the next several days point out how doing small things well, can lead to opportunities to be given more responsibility to take part in larger projects.

4. Suggested Daily Prayer: Dear God, thank you for being part of our lives and for giving us clear instructions on how we should live. Please give us ears to hear and the wisdom to listen to the directions you give us. Amen

In His Love, Cathy

The Big Pink Comfy Couch

Last weekend, Scott and I did something that was long overdue. We bought new living room furniture. It had been 16 years since we purchased new furniture. We bought our old comfy sectional in 1993. Once a deep mauve, (mauve is just a less girly way of saying pink), our sectional provided years of comfort, relaxation, and fun memories for us and our children. With recliners on either end, Scott enjoyed many a football, basketball, and baseball games in the arms of the big pink comfy sectional. Our big comfy pink sectional was the rock of our family life - our staple. We spent many a family movie night in the cushy clutches of that sectional. It had plenty of space to spare for our family of 5. Even the dogs and cats had a place on the big pink sectional. It also did double duty as indoor playground equipment for all three of our children. They would play for hours in the living room climbing over the back of the couch and using the recliners as slides. Maybe that's why the recliners broke after only a few years. For our children our sectional has been everything to them - a fort, a ship, a treehouse, a spaceship, a fighter plane, a sniper's post, and much much more. They and their friends loved to play on and around our sectional. It was perfect for hide and seek or wargames for that matter. Our youngest son, Michael, at the tender age of 2, hid all of the remotes in the loose fabric of the recliner's foot rest. We went for a couple of months without knowing where any of the 5 remotes were. He learned early that he who controlled the remote controlled the roost. So he hid them from everyone. The only way we discovered his secret was we saw his little diapered self open the recliner, pull out a remote, turn on the TV, then put the remote back into his secret hiding place, and close the recliner. Clever little guy!

When one of the children was sick, our sectional perfectly served as a home hospital bed, with the sick child sleeping on one end during the night and me on the other. Brittany and I spent many a nights on that sectional when she was only 3. She was so sick with her asthma and secondary infections we thought we were going to lose our dear precious daughter. I just remember a whole month of her sick, on that sectional, not able to keep down even water. Our once chubby little angel became waifer thin. The doctors really didn't know what was happening to her. She was on daily doctor appointments to watch her dehydration and nutritional intake - which was mostly outtake! She got to the point that she couldn't even keep down water! After trying about every drug on the market, her doctor prescribed one last medication. His words to us were if that didn't work, by the next morning she'd have to be hospitalized until they could figure out what was wrong with her. If not, she could die. Frantically, I searched every drug store in our area to find that drug. It turns out it was not a commonly carried prescription. After finding it at a drug store in Milton, I returned home with our last hope, the miracle drug that we prayed would cure our little girl... and McDonald's for dinner for the rest of the family. As I came into the house, McDonald's & mirical drug in hand, our sick little girl on the sectional popped up and asked for a McDonald's French Fry. I gave it to her, thinking that she wouldn't be able to keep it down. After all, she hadn't been able to eat any solid food without throwing up in a month! However, that French Fry stayed down. She asked for more and I obliged. She had a French Fry frenzy on that sectional and kept down every single one. Forget the no food on the couch rule! My child was eating and keeping it down! After that, our little girl began to heal. I attribute her miraculous cure to McDonald's French Fries - she never took that medicine!

But I drift...especially on that big comfy sectional. It was the most wonderful place to take an afternoon nap! Your body would just melt into it's cushiny softness. Once down, you were assimilated. Resistance was futile! Before you knew it, you were a goner - a member of the collective!

Our sectional even served as protection for our family. In 1995, we we turned our sectional and huddled under it's steel frame during a hurricane that sent a tornado through our yard. It took down my favorite tree which was just outside the kitchen window. All of us were safely tucked away under our protector, all of us, that is, except for Scott. He was standing at the front door, with it open, looking at the sky! Yes, my husband, the storm chaser! Jim Cantore has nothing on my man! Ahhhh, those were the days.

But like everything else, the big pink comfy sectional's time came to an end. Alas, it could not hold up to the demands a growing family placed upon it. When it was originally purchased, 'mauve' was 'in.' Sadly, that ship sailed a long time ago...like the minute we bought it! Once mauve was 'out,' we were left with a functional, yet comical reminder of past decorating faupaux. Though durable, it's tough, stain resistance, lifetime warrantied exterior began to degrade. It was literally busting at the seams! It was so bad that I bought designer pillows and matching afgan to try to disguise the flaws. I was embarrassed for anyone to come over to our home. Not only was the color of our sectional way past the expiration date, but now I was leary of anyone sitting on it and discovering our true shame, that it was full of holes, rips, and tears! It was so bad that I completely quit having company over! It was truly HORRIBLE!!! You want to know how bad it was? It was so bad that when Scott tried to donate it to Benevolence, they REJECTED IT!!! Oh the shame!

Finally, I could no longer stand the degradation of our beloved sectional. We determined that this was the time for new furniture. So, last Friday afternoon we did just that. The first thing we were shown was a BIG RED SECTIONAL!!! NOOO!!!!! Scott and I ran just as far away from that deal as quick as we could! But, we found the new love of our lives and our BIG PINK COMFY SECTIONAL is now a memory.

So here's to you, BIG PINK COMFY SECTIONAL, I shall miss the memories, the comfort, and the naps that your big pinkness so lovingly gave our family. But now, a new chapter has begun in our lives...on our TAN LEATHER COUCH with RECLINING SEATS! AHHH... I think I can get used to this! Oh, we got the separate recliner to match! Thank you, God! We really needed this!

In His Love, Cathy

To Be Like Ezra

"...for the gracious hand of his God was on him. This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel." Ezra 7:9b-10

Ezra, his name means "help." Ezra was a priest, a scribe, AND a great leader of Israel. Don't know much about him? Then take the time to read the book of Ezra and peer into a life wholly dedicated to God. Not only did he write the book of Ezra, but is also credited with writing the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles. He also led a large group of Jews from Persia, where they had been exiled, back to Jerusalem. Ezra's return home occurred 58 years after Zerubbabel lead the first group of returning Jewish pilgrims back to Jerusalem. The first group of pilgrims began to rebuild the altar and the Temple until opposition arose from local inhabitants which halted the project.

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Ezra learns of the problems facing the Jewish people, the most serious of which is the intermarriage between God's chosen people and the pagan inhabitants. Ezra was deeply disturbed by the disobedience of the people. Upon hearing this, Ezra fell in humilty before God and prayed for the nation. His response set the Jewish people on a course for spiritual reform. His example and humble prayer of confession of the poeple's sins before God led to a NATIONWIDE revival! He was a model for the nation of Israel, a man whose example is still worthy of our following today.

Why was Ezra such a great leader? First of all, Ezra was a gifted Bible scholar and teacher. He was determined to move God's people forward. He taught the people through both his words and actions. He was committed to knowing God's Word and obeying it. He was driven to teach it to others so that all would know the wonderful God whom He loved and served. He knew his purpose.

In addition, Ezra knew what was most important in life. He wasn't driven by the desire for personal success. In fact, he was most likely not even keeping score of his achievements. Instead, he was driven by a deep personal commitment to live for God. Having a personal commitment to live for God is STILL what is most important in life. For it is only personal commitment to live for Christ that has lasting value - eternal value!

Ezra's success as a great leader and his achievements are wonderful examples of what God can do through someone. Because of Ezra's devotion, an entire nation of people returned to God. Though we may not be used to do as great of things as Ezra, we can still follow his example in living a life wholly dedicated to God. It starts with the devoted study of the Word, obeying it, believing it, and living it! Oh, to be like Ezra, that is my prayer!

In His Love, Cathy

Technical Difficulties...Please Stay Tuned

My church laptop finally died on Good Friday.

Now I'm also having internet and phone issues at the house, where I do most of my blogging and church work after school...both internet and phone have been out for 2 days.

Please stay tuned...

In His Love, Cathy

Living Inside Out

You HAVE GOT TO SEE THIS!!! Click on the link below and then come back to my blog.
I PROMISE YOU...IT WILL BE WORTH YOUR TIME TO VIEW.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmbJzH93NU


WOW! How INCREDIBLE! Did you even expect that? Appearances can be deceiving, can't they? What a blessing!

Now, let me ask you something. When you first saw her, what did you think? Be honest, if you didn't expect her to be able to sing like that, then that means you had a preconceived opinion of her based on her exterior - was it her appearance perhaps? Maybe her quirky nature? Or was it the fact she is unemployed, never been married, never been kissed, and has cats for companions - and about to turn 48! Did you stereotype her as an eccentric 47 year old spinster cat lady? Or maybe because she wasn't attractive and seemed kind of goofy, you expected the worst? Now just a little more info that I have dug up on Susan Boyle - she's been singing since she was 12. She sings regularly in CHURCH and performs in local plays/musicals in her hometown.

For Susan Boyle her outward appearance could have been what hindered those in entertainment from giving her a chance. Case in point - the audience's reaction when she first walked on on stage was just rude. They were heckling her, laughing at her, making fun of her. But she didn't budge. She stayed her ground and MADE THEM hear her beautiful voice and SEE her inner beauty! She shut them up and left Simon Cowell surprised and speechless. She waited for 35 years for the opportunity to be noticed for her gift. God answered her prayer in His time AND changed hecklers to bonafide fans.

I am going to be totally transparent with you. I did judge her based on her appearance, on her life circumstances, and not for the person she is on the inside - a beautiful, courageous person who is deeply loved by God. The bad thing is that I didn't even realize I had passed judgement on her until she opened her mouth to sing. At once I was struck by both the beauty of her voice and the guilt that convicted my heart of my erroneous judgement. I was busted! Because I judged her based on the exterior I almost missed out on one of the most beautiful singing voices I've ever heard! I was ready to write her off. I wonder, how many other opportunities I have missed out on because I couldn't get past the exterior to see the inner beauty of others. How many more friendships could there have been had I just looked more deeply? How many other wonderfully talented, loving people have I overlooked, ignored, or avoided simply because I subconciously (and conciously) judged them without getting to know them? What's worse is that I didn't even realize I had these judgemental blinders on!


God helped me realize today that I am way to quick to judge others, even though I try hard not to. I still need His help in this area of my life. I need to look at others more deeply, to see them as He does, to see the inner beauty and potential of each and every person He created. And most importantly, I need to love them as Christ does - unconditionally. What about you?

"The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7

I'm praying for Sasan Boyle to win the Britain's Got Talent competition! You GO GIRL!


In His Love, Cathy

PCC Kids Ministry This Week, April 13 through 19

Wednesday Nights are Changing

No Children's Bible Study on Wednesday Nights

We're taking a break the rest of the school year and gearing up for VBS!

VBS Volunteer Meeting

This Wednesday, April 15 from 6 - 7 p.m.

VBS Worship Team Practice

This Wednesday, April 15 from 7 to 8 p.m.

For children in KG through 4th grade.

Parents, we'll have a brief meeting at the beginning of worship team practice to go over important information.

VBS 2009 is Coming!

Boomerang Express! Where it all comes back to Jesus!

June 15-19 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunities Galore!

Invite every child you know!

In His Love, Cathy

Rock Solid: What Your Child Learned in Church Today, Easter Sunday

Today was a very blessed day indeed. Though about 2000 years have passed since our Lord's death and resurrection, the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ is still relevant and real today. Our Easter Children's Message focused on celebrating Christ's victory over sin and death!

Bible Point: Jesus conquered death and we can celebrate His resurrection and ascension, and look forward to His return!

Bible Story: The Real Story of Easter (Matthew 28; Mark 16; Luke 24; John 20)

Bible Verse: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day. 1 Corinthians 15:3,4

The children learned the real meaning of Easter. We might celebrate Easter with egg hunts, baskets filled with candy, and chocolate bunnies. And although these things are lots of fun, these aren't what Easter is all about. Easter is about Jesus Christ. How Jesus, the One and Only Son of God came down to earth. He came to teach about His Father. He came to give up His OWN life as a ransom for our sins. Though innocent, perfect, and totally sinless, Jesus was betrayed, captured, tried, and finally crucified. After three days, He arose from His tomb and saw many of His followers.

During this time, the disciples were scared. They fled and hid when Jesus was crucified. Jesus appeared to them while they were together. Thomas doubted the resurrection until he saw Jesus with his own eyes. Jesus taught the disciples more about their mission, and then ascended into heaven as they watched Him go. He promised to return one day. And we, His faithful followers eagerly await His glorious return!

This is the real meaning of Easter - celebrating the fact that Jesus came to the world for you and me, died, and rose from the dead three days later! Because of this, He changed the world forever! Now we can choose to follow Jesus who is alive and wants to show us His love for us everyday. We know He is coming back and we can be in heaven with Him someday! That is worth celebrating!

Training Up a Child Homework:
1. Help your child learn this week's verse and tell it to me next week for a prize.
2. Even though Easter is 'over', continue to talk with your child about Christ's sacrifice for us. Help your child understand why He gave His life to save us and how He rose again! Help them understand how they have a choice to follow Christ. A great resource for discussing salvation with your child is "I Believe in Jesus" by John McArthur.
3. Read the Easter Story in each of the four Gospels with your child this week. Pray for God's guidance as you read and talk with your child about Christ's sacrifice and resurrection.

Grace and Peace!

In His Love, Cathy

Easter Egg Hunt & Church Cookout Today, April 11

Egg Hunt starts at 11:30 a.m.

Churchwide Cookout to follow egg hunt.

Bring food to grill and drinks for your family.

Praise God, no rain!

See you there!

In His Love, Cathy

Today, Good Friday

"Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed Him stricken,

Smitten by God, and afflicted.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And by His stripes we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

Isaiah 53:4-6

So often, in our zeal in planning and carrying out our Easter plans, we sometimes allow this day, Good Friday, to pass without pausing to contemplate and reflect the significance of what Christ did on this day 2000 years ago. We often focus on Resurrection Day, and we should, but with little heed to the days leading up to this miraculous, saving event.

"Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows..

Today, Good Friday, the day that our Lord was convicted, though no one could find anything to convict him of. He was the perfect, sinless Son of God. He, God's Own Son, stood in our place, on trial. Not once did He speak up to defend His innocence.

Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.

Today, Good Friday, the day the Roman soldiers beat and mocked Him, placing a crown of thorns on His head. He suffered the punishment that should have been ours.

But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;

Today, Good Friday, the day Christ was forced to carry His cross, the tool of His execution, the burden of our sins. The weight of which caused Him to stumble, requiring the assistance of a man named Simon.

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.

Today, Good Friday, the day they nailed this innocent man, the Son of God, to a tree. Each strike of the hammer, forcing the nails deeper and deeper through his flesh, into the wood. Excruciating pain searing through Him with each strike. Each strike one step closer to victory over the enemy. Each strike heralding in a new covenant, giving mankind hope and eternal healing in the broken relationship with the Father.

All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;

Today, Good Friday, the day they placed Him on a cross between two men, men who were called 'thieves,' deserving of the punishment they received. So there hung our perfect, sinless Savior, flanked on either side by criminals. One repented the other didn't - representing the ultimate choice that each and every person must make when face to face with the power of the cross.

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

Today, Good Friday, the day that Jesus was surrounded by sinners as he hung there, dying. Those who loved and followed him watched in horror as He hung there, while those who hated Him mocked Him. How heartbreaking for His mother, Mary, to see Him upon that cross. How horrible it was for His followers to witness His sacrifice for the world, yet the world didn't know Him.

And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all."

Today, Good Friday, the day that Jesus died for our sins. The perfect, unblemished Son of God laying down His life so that we may have life. He completed the task the Father had given and was obedient to the end. His sacrifice is our salvation. Blessed is the Name of the LORD!

Today, Good Friday doesn't sound so good, unless you understand that...Sunday's coming! Hallelujah!

In His Love, Cathy

Taming the Tongue

Today, a dear friend of mine was hurt very deeply by a coworker. My friend was apparently the object of an UGLY remark by this person. The remark was in an email meant for someone else. However, it was accidentally sent to my friend. What's more, my friend had not done anything to this person, but only offered her friendship. The coworker didn't even know my friend well enough to make such a comment. What is grievious about this situation is that this coworker is supposedly a Christian! Additionally, it made my friend wonder who the intended recipient(s) were. This meant there were possibly others in agreement with this coworker's opinion of her. My friend began to wonder who was speaking malicious words against her that would cause a coworker she hardly knew to have this opinion of her.

My friend was hurt. She is a godly Christian woman, with a loving heart. She honors God with her life. She would never hurt anyone for any reason! She is always ready to help those in need. She's just such a giving, loving person. I hurt for my friend today, I cried for her, thinking that others had been so mean toward her. My friend bravely confronted the coworker who made the negative remark. To which the person profusely apologized and asked for forgiveness, from what I understand. However, the apology didn't alleviate my friend's pain, though she is one to graciously accept an apology. My dear friend suffered as the consequence of someone else's sin!

Yes, I know, TMI. And yes, I am publicly defending my friend. But there is a VERY IMPORTANT LESSON that we all need to be aware of. We need to TAME OUR TONGUES - resist the temptation to talk about others...at home, at work, in the community. In fact, we shouldn't even go there in our thoughts. "The crooked heart will not prosper;the lying tongue tumbles into trouble." Proverbs 17:20 There is no coincidence that the crooked heart and the lying tongue are coupled together in this verse. Christ said, But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' Matthew 15:17-19 So, whatever is on our heart, in our thoughts, will come tumbling out sooner or later. It will show just how 'clean' or 'unclean' we are on the inside. So, to guard your tongue starts with a guard over your heart...a heart in COMPLETE submission to Christ!

We must also avoid gossip and slanderous speech about others. Psalm 39:1-3 says “I will watch what I do and not sin in what I say. I will hold my tongue when the ungodly are around me.” Our words can crush others. "...a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." (Proverbs 15:4b) Our words can also damage the testimony we and other believers have for Christ. If I go around making negative remarks about others, then how can I be a valid witness for Jesus? If I gossip about another believer, I am also damaging that person's reputation AND THEIR TESTIMONY for CHRIST! If I spread malicious talk about a Christian brother or sister, I AM HURTING the VERY BODY OF JESUS CHRIST!

Think about it this way. A person who is healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally would never, EVER think of hurting themselves in any way. However, those who are struggling with unhealthy thoughts or emotions might entertain harmful thoughts and possibly act them out. This is akin to those who say and do things that harm others within the Body of Christ. For whatever reason, their spiritual health is such that they do no resist the urge to speak venemous poison about others in the Body. Sure, we're all prone to sin and to stick our big ole foot in our mouths from time to time. However, we should avoid saying anything that would harm others in any way!

So how can we put a guard on our tongues? By being spiritually fit. Personally, when I am the spiritually weak, I'm most prone to a lack of self-control. That is why it is so important to stay spiritually fit by seeking Christ wholeheartedly, spending time in His Word, and praying without ceasing. We should wholly submit ourselves and all areas of our lives to Christ daily, MOST ESPECIALLY OUR TONGUES!

I'm sure this coworker did not start out the day with the plan to hurt my friend. But look at what a lapse in tongue control has caused. Even small, insignificant caddy remarks are hurtful and wrong. The best advice I ever got was to pause. Pause before you speak. Consider the consequences. Pause before you react. Ask yourself if it will bring honor or dishonor to Christ. And, dadgummit, put some duct tape on that mouth if you can't control that tongue!

My dear friend was another casualty of the tongue! I'm sorry, friend! God loves you so much and I do too!

In His Love, Cathy

PCC Children's Ministry This Week, April 6 - 12

NO WEDNESDAY NIGHT CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES THIS WEEK!

Easter Volunteers Meeting This Wednesday, April 8

6:30 to 8

- Stuff goody bags for Easter Hunt.

-Overview of Sunday's Rotation Schedule for children's classes

- Review Lesson materials and craft project

- answer questions you might have

EASTER EGG HUNT & CHURCH COOKOUT

EGG HUNT @ 11:30 a.m. not 11:00 a.m.

Bring food to grill & Drinks for your family!

Easter SUNDAY for KIDS

Special Children's Message in ROCK SOLID kids church.

Invite every child you know!

In His Love, Cathy

Rock Solid: What Your Child Learned in Church Today (Sunday, April 5)

Main Point: I will show my faith by my actions!

Bible Lesson: Matthew Chapter 9 (Jesus heals a sick woman)

Memory Verse: But I say, "How can you have faith if you don't have good deeds. I will show you my faith by my good deeds." James 2:18b

Summary of Today's Lesson:
We're still in Medieval times, learning to be people of Noble Character. Today we learned what faith is. Faith is believing in that which is not seen. We discussed how we can't see the wind or the air, yet it exists. We looked at other things in life that we've never seen but we know exists - such as our hearts. We've never seen our own heart with our own eyes, yet we know we have one. We also talked about how we believe airplanes can fly, even though they are made out of metal, weigh thousands of pounds, and carry a lot of people. We believe because we have seen them in the air or have flown on them. However, a person who has never seen an airplane or know what one is, would be skeptical that something that large and heavy could ever fly. This is like us today. We did not see Christ when He walked on the earth, like the disciples did, however we are blessed for believing in Him though we did not see Him.

We also talked about how good works is the evidence of our faith. When Jesus walked the earth, He proved He was God's Son by His good works and miracles. (John 10:22-42) We should follow Jesus's example in doing good deeds. In fact, James says that good works is a natural product of our faith. If we say we have faith, then it should play itself out in our lives, not just in what we say but also in what we do.

TRAINING UP A CHILD HOMEWORK:
1. Read Matthew 9 to your child this week. Ask your child to look for the miracles Jesus performed in this chapter. Remind your child that though we can't perform miracles like Jesus, we can do good things for others. Emphasize that when we do good to others, we are living out our faith in Christ, AND - when we do good things 'for the least of these' we are also doing good toward Christ.
2. Have your child memorize James 2:18b and tell it to me next week for a prize.

NEXT WEEK - Special Easter Children's Message
Be sure to invite every child you know!


In His Love, Cathy

BERRYHILL MANOR OUTREACH

Saturday, April 4 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Meet at Berryhill Manor at 1:45 p.m.

In His Love, Cathy

The Principal's Office

Here's a great article for parents by Lysa TerKeurst.

http://proverbs31devotions.blogspot.com/2009/04/principals-office.html

So often we tend to define ourselves and form our identities on our accomplishments, our children, our careers, our ministry, our marriages, our relationships, our position in life, our wealth, our possessions, our successes, and our failures. It's so natural for us to hang who we are on the tangible, the things we and others see. It's so easy to become puffed up with pride in our accomplishments, thinking we are better somehow than others because of these accomplisments. Conversely, we also tend to beat ourselves up over our failures and allow them to also define us, hindering us from experiencing the joy and peace that is found in Christ. However, this is not how God intended for us to be.

God loves each and every one of us with EXACTLY THE SAME LOVE. We are HIS workmanship, HIS child in Christ! Our identities shouldn't rest on the laurels or the failures of this world. Instead, our identities should rest in Him! We should define ourselves based on who He has created us to be. Our goal is to remain pliable to His perfect will, striving to live wholeheartedly as an instrument of His Hand. Even as parents, we should not beat ourselves up if our children are not perfect in every way. We should not seek our identities as parents based on our children's behavior, successes, or failures. Instead, we should define ourselves as parents on how we are responding to God's will in raising up our children. We should strive to be godly parents, seeking His guidance and wisdom, and relying on His strength every step of the way. We should be praying parents, on our knees daily petitioning for our children. No child is perfect, that's why God gave them parents - to teach them and help shape them into the people God wants them to be.

In His Love, Cathy