WOW! God is doing some amazing things through our Wednesday night kids Bible Study. We studied Ephesians 6:10-18 last night...spiritual warfare and putting on the full armor of God. The children were so into the lesson.
Kids were asking so many questions. Their questions were well thought out and very wise for their ages. What's even more exciting is that other kids in the group began answering some of their peers' questions! The Holy Spirit was definitely 'in the houuussee!'
Yes, God is doing some amazing things in Children's ministry! He's growing a whole new harvest to "go forth and make disciples of all nations..." AMEN!
So, parents, you have a HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT. Read Ephesians 6:10-18 to your children, reminding them of what they learned. Then have them MEMORIZE Ephesians 6:10,11. This is their memory verse for the week. Children who are able to recite it back to me next Wednesday will earn a prize!
We also started preparing for our Berryhill Manor Outreach headed up by Jodi and Barbara. The outreach is on December 6 from 2 to 4 p.m. Children need to meet at Berryhill Manor no later than 1:45 p.m. Our children will help with a special Christmas Party for the residents, perform several traditional Christmas pieces, and also help pass out gifts to residents. This is a wonderful experience for our children to share the love of Christ with those in need. Make plans to join us!
Until Next Time, Grace and Peace!
In His Love, Cathy
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Daily E-Couragement
I wanted to share with you today's "Encouraging Words Daily Encouragement for Women" from TodaysChristianWoman.com. It really reminded me the importance of speaking AND living my faith.
"David went out to meet them and said, "If you have come in peace to help me, we are friends. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when I am innocent, then may the God of our ancestors see it and punish you."Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the leader of the Thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you."So David let them join him, and he made them officers over his troops." 1 Chronicles 12:17–18
"Encouragement for Today
David couldn't know the true motives of the men when they approached him, so he trusted God and publicly acknowledged his faith in God right away. Amasai spoke for the other men and also acknowledged their faith in David's God. So we, too, shouldn't be afraid to acknowledge the significance of our faith in what we do. And if we want to work closely with others on an important project, we may need to know their character and that they share a living faith in God."
I have a very close friend at work whom I just love to death. Though we are close friends, we do not have the same beliefs. Despite our differences, I am not afraid to share my faith with her. And she listens. She is also able to freely share her beliefs with me as well. Though different, we are both very comfortable in sharing with each other. Our discussions are often fruitful and a blessing to me. I do believe that through our friendship, through our talks, I am witnessing for Christ. Do I pressure her? No. Am I friends with her just because I want to witness to her? No. She is a true friend, a real friend, a friend I love and care for very deeply. I know my friend, I know her character, and would love for our friendship to also share a living faith in Christ! I'm praying that through our friendship, she would discover the peace and joy that can only be found in Christ!
So, in short, share Christ in real and meaningful ways with others. Don't be afraid to share where you stand with God in the relationships you have with others in your life, whether they are believers or not...neighbors, friends, family, and coworkers. Allow God to work through you in these relationships to bring others to Christ. Pray for God to open opportunities for you to share your faith with everyone you know and in everything you do.
"in all your ways acknowledge him, ..." Proverbs 3:6
In His Love, Cathy
"David went out to meet them and said, "If you have come in peace to help me, we are friends. But if you have come to betray me to my enemies when I am innocent, then may the God of our ancestors see it and punish you."Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the leader of the Thirty, and he said, "We are yours, David! We are on your side, son of Jesse. Peace and prosperity be with you, and success to all who help you, for your God is the one who helps you."So David let them join him, and he made them officers over his troops." 1 Chronicles 12:17–18
"Encouragement for Today
David couldn't know the true motives of the men when they approached him, so he trusted God and publicly acknowledged his faith in God right away. Amasai spoke for the other men and also acknowledged their faith in David's God. So we, too, shouldn't be afraid to acknowledge the significance of our faith in what we do. And if we want to work closely with others on an important project, we may need to know their character and that they share a living faith in God."
I have a very close friend at work whom I just love to death. Though we are close friends, we do not have the same beliefs. Despite our differences, I am not afraid to share my faith with her. And she listens. She is also able to freely share her beliefs with me as well. Though different, we are both very comfortable in sharing with each other. Our discussions are often fruitful and a blessing to me. I do believe that through our friendship, through our talks, I am witnessing for Christ. Do I pressure her? No. Am I friends with her just because I want to witness to her? No. She is a true friend, a real friend, a friend I love and care for very deeply. I know my friend, I know her character, and would love for our friendship to also share a living faith in Christ! I'm praying that through our friendship, she would discover the peace and joy that can only be found in Christ!
So, in short, share Christ in real and meaningful ways with others. Don't be afraid to share where you stand with God in the relationships you have with others in your life, whether they are believers or not...neighbors, friends, family, and coworkers. Allow God to work through you in these relationships to bring others to Christ. Pray for God to open opportunities for you to share your faith with everyone you know and in everything you do.
"in all your ways acknowledge him, ..." Proverbs 3:6
In His Love, Cathy
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Littlest Butterfly
This story is dedicated to my little sister in Christ, Lexi. Thank you Lexi for the butterfly and the sweet note you wrote me. I will cherish it forever...your gift really encouraged me and is so very special. You will always have a special place in my heart! So to encourage you and all of our friends at church, I wrote a little story about you. I hope it's ok with you:-)
Once upon a time, not too very long ago, there was a very small catepillar. This little catepillar, like many of her friends, was a very sweet little catepillar. But she was very small and still just a little catepillar. Her parents were beautiful butterflies who could fly anywhere they wanted to fly. They could fly way up high into the blue sky or simply flutter way down low in the grasses and the trees. They could flutter around the most beautiful of flowers. Maybe that's why her parents always smelled as beautiful as they looked. But alas, she was just a little catepillar who could only crawl about. She couldn't ever go very far and so she lived in the tiny world of a little catepillar. It was so very hard for her to even climb up a stem to just smell a flower!
Catepillar's butterfly parents loved their little catepillar so very much. In fact, they loved her so much that they taught her about the love of Jesus Christ. They taught her how He gave His life to pay for her sins. How He died on the cross, but rose from the dead on the third day. They knew that their little catepillar needed Christ, for without him, she'd always remain nothing more than a little catepillar. Catepillar's parents also took her to church every Sunday where she joined other little catepillar's in worshipping and learning about God. She went to Bible Study on Wednesday nights where she learned how she could become a new creation in Christ.
Catepillar took in everything she learned. But even more so, she saw the beauty of her parent's faith even in the most difficult of circumstances. They reassured her that she never had to worry or be scared, that God loved her so much and would always love her. And no matter what, He would be with her always. All she had to do was trust Jesus. So one day, Catepillar decided to ask Christ to be her Lord and Savior. Catepillar told her parents what she wanted to do. They were overjoyed with Catepillar's decision. So she prayed. She admitted to God that she was a sinner and asked Him to forgive her. She believed that Jesus was the Son of God, who died on the cross for her sins and rose on the third day. Then she confessed Jesus as her Lo
rd and Savior. At that very moment, the most spectacular thing happened! Catepillar transformed into a beautiful little butterfly! She was no longer a catepillar that had to crawl about the ground, limited to the small world of a catepillar. She now had the freedom to fly like her parents! She could fly up to the sky or down to the trees! She could go from flower to flower, just as she pleased...and some even made her sneeze! She had a freedom that she never had before! She was a new creation!
Though this tale is make believe, the Truth of the story is very real. For it is through the Blood of Jesus Christ our sins can be forgiven. It is only through Jesus Christ that salvation is possible. And for those who chose Christ, they, like the catepillar who turns into a butterfly, become a brand new creation in Christ! The old nature has passed away, and a new nature has taken it's place! How complete and beautiful is the work of our God!
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17
In His Love,
Cathy
PCC Children - Week of Nov 3 through 9
WEDNESDAY NIGHT
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Children's Bible Study
7:30 to 8:00 p.m. Practice Christmas Music for Berryhill Manor Outreach/Church performance
SEARCHING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO PLUG INTO THESE NEW OPENINGS
- SIGN IN TABLE/HALL SECURITY
- WEDNESDAY NIGHT TEACHERS/HELPERS
- SUNDAY MORNING PK TEACHERS & HELPERS
- ELEMENTARY TEACHERS/HELPERS (both services)
Contact me to plug into one of these IMPORTANT ministry services!
STAY TUNED for HOLIDAY CHILDREN'S EVENTS!
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Children's Bible Study
7:30 to 8:00 p.m. Practice Christmas Music for Berryhill Manor Outreach/Church performance
SEARCHING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO PLUG INTO THESE NEW OPENINGS
- SIGN IN TABLE/HALL SECURITY
- WEDNESDAY NIGHT TEACHERS/HELPERS
- SUNDAY MORNING PK TEACHERS & HELPERS
- ELEMENTARY TEACHERS/HELPERS (both services)
Contact me to plug into one of these IMPORTANT ministry services!
STAY TUNED for HOLIDAY CHILDREN'S EVENTS!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Britt's Sweet 16 is Today!
Happy birthday to a very special girl - our daughter Brittany turns 16 today! Yes, she was actually born on Halloween at 4:31 a.m.
Brittany has grown into quite the young woman. Not only is she beautiful but her beauty comes from her heart. I admire her sweet, loving spirit, her heartfelt laughs, her generous caring nature, and her positive outlook. I also admire her for her integrity, character, tenacity, and dedication. She's a hard worker, a go getter, and never gives up in the face of a challenge. She's also such a smart young lady. (Scott says she's just like her mamma!)
Brittany is just one of those special people who has an internal 'twinkle in her eye.' A fire within her spirit that never goes out. Something I can't quite describe, but for those who know her, you know what I'm talking about. With Brittany, everything comes from deep within, from her heart. She lives deeply. She's no drama queen. She doesn't complain, she doesn't fuss, she's always thinking of others first. She loves life and she lives it to the fullest. She loves people and enjoys socializing. She's our Social Butterfly! She loves school, her friends, and family. She loves hair, makeup, and fashion. Yes, she is a girly girl! But she also LOVES basketball and is a very aggressive player. A game without her getting hurt or hurting an opponent (accidentally) is highly unusual for Brittany. Her teammates nicknamed her "Beast" a couple of years ago. She found out this week that she made the JV Basketball team. We're so proud of her! Though she is highly competitive and aggressive on the court, she's totally opposite of that off the court. She also really loves her church and youth group! But above all of this, she loves Jesus!
Yes, our baby girl is 16 today! It's been a great 16 years and a joy to be her parents. So, to wrap up our birthday blog to our daughter, I would like to share with the rest of you a song that we sing to her, her royal highness, the Basketball Queen. It's a song that I'm sure will totally embarrass her, so please, feel free to memorize the words and sing it to her anytime:-)
BASKETBALL QUEEN (Sung to the tune of ABBA's "DANCING QUEEN")
She can play, She can drive,
having the time of her life
ooohhh
see that girl, watch that score,
she is the Basketball Queen!
Friday nights at Pace High School
The players are ready the fans are cool
mmm where they play the right game
Getting in the swing
You've come to check out the scene
She's in the back girls locker room
She's focused now, her game face on
She walks out onto the court that night
Hungry for a win
The BEAST is ON!
And when she gets the chance
She is the Basketball Queen
Quick and mean
She's only sweet sixteen!
Basketball Queen
Feel the heat from her team
Oh Yeah
She can shoot
She can drive
She's having the time of her life!
See that girl, watch that score
She is the Basketball Queen!
Brittany has grown into quite the young woman. Not only is she beautiful but her beauty comes from her heart. I admire her sweet, loving spirit, her heartfelt laughs, her generous caring nature, and her positive outlook. I also admire her for her integrity, character, tenacity, and dedication. She's a hard worker, a go getter, and never gives up in the face of a challenge. She's also such a smart young lady. (Scott says she's just like her mamma!)
Brittany is just one of those special people who has an internal 'twinkle in her eye.' A fire within her spirit that never goes out. Something I can't quite describe, but for those who know her, you know what I'm talking about. With Brittany, everything comes from deep within, from her heart. She lives deeply. She's no drama queen. She doesn't complain, she doesn't fuss, she's always thinking of others first. She loves life and she lives it to the fullest. She loves people and enjoys socializing. She's our Social Butterfly! She loves school, her friends, and family. She loves hair, makeup, and fashion. Yes, she is a girly girl! But she also LOVES basketball and is a very aggressive player. A game without her getting hurt or hurting an opponent (accidentally) is highly unusual for Brittany. Her teammates nicknamed her "Beast" a couple of years ago. She found out this week that she made the JV Basketball team. We're so proud of her! Though she is highly competitive and aggressive on the court, she's totally opposite of that off the court. She also really loves her church and youth group! But above all of this, she loves Jesus!
Yes, our baby girl is 16 today! It's been a great 16 years and a joy to be her parents. So, to wrap up our birthday blog to our daughter, I would like to share with the rest of you a song that we sing to her, her royal highness, the Basketball Queen. It's a song that I'm sure will totally embarrass her, so please, feel free to memorize the words and sing it to her anytime:-)
BASKETBALL QUEEN (Sung to the tune of ABBA's "DANCING QUEEN")
She can play, She can drive,
having the time of her life
ooohhh
see that girl, watch that score,
she is the Basketball Queen!
Friday nights at Pace High School
The players are ready the fans are cool
mmm where they play the right game
Getting in the swing
You've come to check out the scene
She's in the back girls locker room
She's focused now, her game face on
She walks out onto the court that night
Hungry for a win
The BEAST is ON!
And when she gets the chance
She is the Basketball Queen
Quick and mean
She's only sweet sixteen!
Basketball Queen
Feel the heat from her team
Oh Yeah
She can shoot
She can drive
She's having the time of her life!
See that girl, watch that score
She is the Basketball Queen!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Fall Family Night - Shout Out of Appreciation
I just want to say a great big THANK YOU to everyone who helped with the Fall Family Fun Night. It was awesome! Everyone, especially the kids, really seemed to have a great time! It was such a neat experience and there were so many new faces! Wow, what an evening! Even though I was running around like a crazy woman, it was a blast!
The Hay Ride and the Costume Contests were a great hit. The kids loved them both! Sadly, we ran out of time and didn't get to do the pumpkin painting contest. But, that's ok. It was still a great night all in all! And how about that bonfire in our new fire pit! Oh, it was soooo waaarm! My only other regret is that I wasn't able to take pictures to post to my blog. If anyone has pictures let me know. I'd love to post some of the costumes! And if you didn't witness the costume contest, you missed out. We had some awesome costumes and even a couple of rappers who entertained us with a couple of songs. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we had super heros (Wonder Woman, SuperGirl), we had fairies, princesses, a Southern Belle, policeman, Hippie, astronaut, Starbucks Girl, Cheerleaders, Punk Rockers, Miss Behaved, Prisoners, Cat Woman, Camo Man, Green Man, and so many others.
The winners of the costume contest won gift cards to Baskin Robbins. Our winners were as follows (no names given for safety of children - just costumes)
0 to 5 years old - Policeman
KG through 5th Grade - Southern Belle & Night Princess (Tie); Rappers Snoop Dog 15 cent were the runners up
6th through 12th Grade - CatWoman
All of the children looked just great! It was tough on the judges to decide!
Fall Family Fun Night wouldn't have been possible without some very special people. I don't even know where to start in thanking everyone. You all did so much to help and it turned out just great! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Leaf & Scott, thanks for taking charge of the Hay Ride. That was a big job. Thanks so much to our costume contest judges - Mary, Sidney, Evelyn, Alex, Jessi! I think your job was tough, too. I know it was hard to judge with so many wonderful costumes. The kids' costumes were all so great and very creative! I think the costume contest was a hit...maybe we have a new PCC tradition?
Thanks also to Mary, Buddy, Mr. Robert, Rick, Crystal, Christy, Calvin, Paul T, Shirley, Connie, & Paul W & everyone else who helped out in all kinds of ways! I don't know who did what behind the scenes so please forgive me if I don't mention you. Just know that your hard work is greatly appreciated! (Plus I'm so tired right now - haven't been home before 8:30 p.m. the last two days so my memory ain't so hot.)
But I would be remiss if I also didn't thank my fellow PCC 'cohorts in crime' Renae, Ronnie, & Gene. You guys are awesome - always so supportive and ready to help. It's a joy and an honor to serve alongside of each of you!
Thank you, friends!
In His Love, Cathy
The Hay Ride and the Costume Contests were a great hit. The kids loved them both! Sadly, we ran out of time and didn't get to do the pumpkin painting contest. But, that's ok. It was still a great night all in all! And how about that bonfire in our new fire pit! Oh, it was soooo waaarm! My only other regret is that I wasn't able to take pictures to post to my blog. If anyone has pictures let me know. I'd love to post some of the costumes! And if you didn't witness the costume contest, you missed out. We had some awesome costumes and even a couple of rappers who entertained us with a couple of songs. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we had super heros (Wonder Woman, SuperGirl), we had fairies, princesses, a Southern Belle, policeman, Hippie, astronaut, Starbucks Girl, Cheerleaders, Punk Rockers, Miss Behaved, Prisoners, Cat Woman, Camo Man, Green Man, and so many others.
The winners of the costume contest won gift cards to Baskin Robbins. Our winners were as follows (no names given for safety of children - just costumes)
0 to 5 years old - Policeman
KG through 5th Grade - Southern Belle & Night Princess (Tie); Rappers Snoop Dog 15 cent were the runners up
6th through 12th Grade - CatWoman
All of the children looked just great! It was tough on the judges to decide!
Fall Family Fun Night wouldn't have been possible without some very special people. I don't even know where to start in thanking everyone. You all did so much to help and it turned out just great! Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Leaf & Scott, thanks for taking charge of the Hay Ride. That was a big job. Thanks so much to our costume contest judges - Mary, Sidney, Evelyn, Alex, Jessi! I think your job was tough, too. I know it was hard to judge with so many wonderful costumes. The kids' costumes were all so great and very creative! I think the costume contest was a hit...maybe we have a new PCC tradition?
Thanks also to Mary, Buddy, Mr. Robert, Rick, Crystal, Christy, Calvin, Paul T, Shirley, Connie, & Paul W & everyone else who helped out in all kinds of ways! I don't know who did what behind the scenes so please forgive me if I don't mention you. Just know that your hard work is greatly appreciated! (Plus I'm so tired right now - haven't been home before 8:30 p.m. the last two days so my memory ain't so hot.)
But I would be remiss if I also didn't thank my fellow PCC 'cohorts in crime' Renae, Ronnie, & Gene. You guys are awesome - always so supportive and ready to help. It's a joy and an honor to serve alongside of each of you!
Thank you, friends!
In His Love, Cathy
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