Children's Ministry Matters

But Jesus called the children to him and said,“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Luke 18:15

My interest and heart for children's ministry still leads me to reading and researching the newest ideas and trends on the topic.  I was recently asked consider serving once again in children's ministry.  Though it is a volunteer position, it sparked serious, prayerful consideration on my part.  This request also sparked a renewed interest in reading up on children's ministry...getting other's perspective on such a CRITICAL and IMPORTANT ministry of the church.  It is my deepest belief that one only has to look to the children's/youth ministry to gauge the health of the church.  Although it is the primary repsonsibility for parents to teach their children of spiritual things, quality age level ministries is just as important.  Healthy children's and youth ministries attract families - and those families become excited and invite other families, thus creating new opportunities for outreach, evangelism, and discipleship. 

"Making children's ministry an investment priority is good — no, great — for the primary goal of every church: growth. Halcomb can't be emphatic enough when he says, "Churches obsessively talk about growth, growth, growth…well you'll have church growth if you do this part right." Fridsma agrees. "Many churches have experienced dynamic growth through a new, exciting children's ministry area. When an environment is created that children pull toward, they'll run ahead of their parents. They'll want to be there!" And they'll want to come back, bringing their parents with them. (Then they'll bring their friends…and their friends' parents…) "Most churches should reconsider spending $20 million on a state-of-the-art sanctuary if they can't also afford quality children's environments," Fridsma concludes. It's about reaching the children effectively that matters. "They're open to the message," he says, "with willing hearts and minds."


Children's ministry must be more than an afterthought. And the teaching must entail more than putting kids on the receiving end of the message. Children must be the investment priority — in structure, design, and format. And church for them must be an interactive experience that lets them hear, understand and apply the Truth.

(Kid Ministry Matters: Creating children's ministry spaces that make a difference.  Jan/Feb 2007)

http://www.worshipfacilities.com/go.php/editorial/4409

Children's Ministry Matters...it's not a babysitting service...it's not for the faint at heart...it's a REAL ministry, reaching REAL people with the GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST!!! The importance of reaching children and youth is ETERNAL!!!

In His Love, Cathy

Me vs. the Empty Nest & Aging: A Menopausal's Woman's Rant Against Middle Age

One thing I know is true...life is never dull...it never settles down.  At least that's the way it is in our lives right now.  Sure, we come up for air every now and then, take a deep breath, and then DIVE back into it.  There are times that I long for simpler days...the days of diapers and bottles, when the kids were all at home and our schedules simply consisted of work, day care, and church.  Unrealistic?  Sure.  And though I have no desire to change a diaper ever again, my longing is for a simpler life...a life where family time was the only activity on the agenda. 

I guess I'm feeling the pangs of an impending empty nest.  Matt is gone...he graduated from USAF Basic Military Training back in January, is now in tech school for 5 months in San Antonio, and will be stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California (Northeast of Los Angeles) when he finishes tech school.  We are so proud of his accomplishments in the Air Force - there is no doubt that this is his calling - he LOVES it!!!  This child who hasn't ever held a gun (aside from a BB gun) qualified his very first week of training as an EXPERT marksman with an M9.  All of those years of investing time and money in sports for him, band, etc... to help him find his interest when all we needed to do was put a gun in his hand!  (I'm saying this jokingly - we're not 'gun' people!)   But it's hard to let him go - especially so far away. Our always so quiet Matt is now a very confident and outgoing young man - volunteering for leadership roles in tech school and highly respected and looked up to by his peers.  And what's more, he's speaking more openly about his faith - faithfully attends not only Chapel but Bible Study.  Yes, Matt is sorely missed.  While at home, he was my right hand guy - dependable, always helpful, responsible, and always there when we needed him.  He loved to volunteer and help out at church, especially on the set up crew when our church met in the school - he would help set up and take down for BOTH adult church and children's church.  Yes, we miss him.  But he's doing what all parents want for their children - for them to grow up and be able to live and succeed in the world - and not end up as a 40 year old bachelor still living in Mom's basement!  I just thought we had a couple of more years with him in college, coming home on weekends, holidays, and summers to live.  His sudden change of plans was a good thing for him, but my heart wasn't prepared for him to 'move out' so soon.

Then there is Brittany.  She graduates from high school next year.  She's already looking at going away to college...Auburn, Troy, Florida State, or University of South Alabama.  You know it wouldn't be so bad except she is my right hand girl (even though she's a leftie).  Plus she is considering going into the medical field which translates to longer schooling.  What am I going to do?  She's been my ally in this houseful of men for all these years - able to take all of them on at once - taking them down with a single disapproving look, defiant bob of her head, one hand on her hip, and the other pointing an accusing finger in their face!  She can get just as physical with them as well...she's learned to survive in this man cave of a house!  All I can say is some young man one day will be very lucky, she will be that one of a kind wife who loves to watch sports (any kind), understands them, and can ACTUALLY PLAY them (except for volleyball...I guess it's not her forte...but football...she loves playing corner back and stopping the offense...I guess she gets that from her Dad ... he and his friend Dale called themselves quarterback killers back in the old middle school football days.)  But I digress. Back to the empty nest.

But wait, you say, there's still Michael!  He's only in 6th grade!  Let me tell you friends, based on experience, it seems like elementary school lasts forever.  Once a child hits middle school, time flies.  And it seems to fly by faster and faster for each successive child.  In a blink of an eye, little Michael will be crossing the stage receiving his diploma.  It won't be long before our funny man will be moving on as well.  He already has decided his future - he wants to join the Air Force just like big brother! 

And as if the empty nest syndrom isn't enough, I'm getting old on top of it all!!!  You may think I'm not old, but let me tell you friend, my body says otherwise!!!  I've had health issues since my early 20s and had just about every organ removed that a person can humanly live without (Scott says I'm half the woman he married...I told him that's okay, he's twice the man I married:) ....)  ... after having a respite of good health for a few years, these past two years have seen a resurgence of issues.   My diagnosis...OLD AGE!  Now before you roll your eyes, let me explain...I have NO THYROID due to thyroid cancer.  Yes, I know I'm sounding like a broken record on this thyroid stuff, but I swear, it seems to be the root of all issues...and my body is experiencing double jeopardy because I've had a total hysterectomy, am post menopause which equals to this:  My body thinks I'M OLD!!!! 

I was diagnosed with early Osteoperosis (initial stage which is called osteopenia).  Found out that little jewel this past summer.  Then this week (Monday) I was diagnosed with high blood pressure (my blood pressure got up 163/119 but leveled out this week around 140/82-98 which is till a little too high).  So now I'm on blood pressure medication and taking my blood pressure several times a day (yes, I had to buy a blood pressure machine)!  This is DESPITE my exercise regimen that I started this past summer almost faithfully (walking and yoga) and eating better.  And my baby turns 21 on Tuesday, which doesn't help me feel any younger!  Stupid AGING process!!!  But then again, maybe if I didn't use so many exclamation points when I write, my blood pressure would go down!!!

So, it's me vs. the empty nest and aging.  I'm being double teamed!!!  I may not win, but I PROMISE YOU ONE THING, I'm not going down without a FIGHT!!!  Hallelujah!!!

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

he is mine forever.

Psalm 73:26

Grace and peace, friends!
In His Love, Cathy

Pride Comes Before a Fall

"Don't be impressed with your own wisdom.

Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
and strength for your bones."


Proverbs 3:7-8



Today's devotional verse was a reminder for me...a reminder to remain humble.  When we forget who we are in Christ, allowing our own pride and wisdom to go to our head, then we are setting ourselves  up for failure and His divine discipline. 

Matthew 23:12 is one of my favorite Scriptures.  It says, "But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."  Pride is sin.  Pride lead to man's downfall.  Pride is thinking of oneself better than others, exalting yourself over others, living for yourself, and demanding your way over God's.  There is no justification for pride if we follow Jesus.  Yet there are so many who follow Christ who hang on to pride.  Pride is a human thing and sometimes difficult for us to recognize within ourselves.  But in order to wholly experience Christ, we must place our pride at the foot of the Cross!

To date, I've written several blogs concerning pride and humility.  I see it in myself at times...and despise it.  I see it in others as well...and despise it.  Pride dictates its own way, divides Believers, and corrupts hearts.  And worst of all, because pride is "all about me," it causes major interference between us and God.  Psalm 138:6 says, "Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,but he keeps his distance from the proud."  God hates pride.  So He distances Himself from it.  And if you are full of yourself, then there is no room for Him anyway!  But not only will God distance Himself, so will others.  No one likes being around someone who is prideful.  Sometimes we may not even recognize the pride in ourselves, but others do.  It may take some serious soul-searching honesty on our part to recognize our own pride, confront it, repent it, and eradicate it.  But with God's help, we can overcome. 


We can make a concious choice to be humble.  We can make a concious choice to surrender our pride to Christ - each and every minute of the day if we must! 

The benefits for remaining humble are eternal.  But so are the consequences of pride.

"For the Lord delights in his people;he crowns the humble with victory."  (Psalm 149:4)... "The humble will be filled with fresh joy from the Lord.The poor will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel." (Isaiah 29:18) and "The humble will see their God at work and be glad.Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged."  Psalm 69:32


Grace and peace, friends!  Happy Friday!
In His Love, Cathy

Psalms of Hope

In His Name the nations will have hope.

Matthew 12:21

Do you have hope? 

Where do you place your hope? 

Is it in money, relationships, success, career, or things?

Examine your heart.  Ask yourself where you place your hope.  Unsure?  Then look at your actions...do they reflect a trust and hope in God or do they reflect misplaced hope in the things of this world?

No matter how hopeless things seem, we HAVE HOPE in Jesus Christ!  God has promised this hope throughout Scripture.

Feeling hopeless?  Then claim these promises in the Name of Christ:

• But the needy will not be ignored forever;the hopes of the poor will not always be crushed.
  Psalm 9:18
• Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless.Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.
  
  Psalm 10:17
• Lead me by your truth and teach me,for you are the God who saves me.All day long I put my hope in you.  Psalm 25:5
• May integrity and honesty protect me,for I put my hope in you.  Psalm 25:21
• So be strong and courageous,all you who put your hope in the Lord!  Psalm 31:24
• We put our hope in the Lord.He is our help and our shield.  Psalm 33:20
• Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord,for our hope is in you ALONE.  Psalm 33:22
• And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?My only hope is in you.  Psalm 39:7
• Why am I discouraged?Why is my heart so sad?I will put my hope in God!I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!  Psalm 42:5

Our hope can be found in Christ ALONE.  Sometimes we claim that we have placed our hope in Christ, but when we look beneath the surface of that claim we might just be surprised to find we have a divided heart on the matter of hope.  It's so much easier to hope in the things we can touch, see, or control ourselves.  It is far more difficult for us to place our hope in the unseen and yield to the Unseen (Christ).  Yet, if we are to find true hope in Christ, we cannot be of a divided heart...we must put our hope in Christ alone!

In His Love, Cathy

All In

"O LORD, come back to us!

How long will you delay?

Take pity on your servants!

Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love,

so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.

Give us gladness in proportion to our former misery!

Replace the evil years with good.

Let us, your servants, see you work again;

let our children see your glory.

And may the Lord our God show us his approval

and make our efforts successful.

Yes, make our efforts successful!"

Psalm 90:13-17

If you have seen lean years, difficult years, make this your heart's cry: that God will replace the lean years with fat ones, allow you see God at work again, satisfy you with his unfailing love, and make your efforts successful. There's nothing wrong with this kind of prayer; it's in Scripture! God wants us to seek him in this way. Perhaps he waits until we do it with our whole heart before he'll answer.—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions


2010 was a lean year for us in so many ways.  But it wasn't just 2010, it was a series of the last few years that have been challenging, heartbreaking at times, and seemed to just go against us.  Though we were abundantly blessed and God provided in so many ways, they were also filled with experiences that we'd never faced before - the loss of loved ones, Scott's Dad's declining condition, my Dad's health, broken relationships, the first of our children leaving the nest, etc...  As we face 2011 this is my prayer...that the lean years of the past be replaced by fat ones where we can see God working once again in our lives!  And though I know there are still tough times ahead of us,  I have hope - hope in a God of unfailing love and unending mercy.  I know He is there even in the fiery trials of this life. 

So even if 2011 is another lean year, we can trust God with it and in it.  Circumstances and problems should never dictate or disrupt our relationship with God.  Instead, a healthy relationship with God should dictate to our circumstances and problems.  If we are 'all in' for God, then we can face the lean years with confidence that He will see us through it.

God is 'all in' for us - He sent His One and Only Son, Jesus, to die so that we could be saved!  He desires only the best for us.  But we must also be 'all in' for God.  Are you?
In His Love, Cathy

In The Beginning...

In the beginning God...   Genesis 1:1

In the beginning the Word already existed.

The Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He existed in the beginning with God.

 God created everything through him,

and nothing was created except through him.

John 1:1-3

Are you tired of New Year resolutions that don't stick?  Are you sick of feeling like a failure because it's only the second day into 2011 and you've already blown it?  Then read on, friend.  You are not alone.

Here we are once again.  The start of another brand new year.  And with the arrival of this new year comes the promise of a fresh start, new opportunities, and renewed hope.  And of course, who could forget, a new set of resolutions to kick off the New Year.

Resolutions are good intentions, goals we intend to keep to make us better people - to improve our lives and the lives of others in our sphere of influence.  Now there is nothing wrong with having resolutions or goals.  There are times that goals and resolutions are absolutely necessary in this life. 

However this year, God is leading me in a different direction when it comes to establishing New Year's Resolutions.  You see, no matter how good our intentions, we often fail in our resolution to keep our New Year resolutions.  Some resolutions are broken more quickly than others - sometimes just within days of the new year.  In retrospect, there were many resolutions I made last year that I did keep.  However, there were some that were an EPIC FAIL! 

So yesterday, as I began reflecting over last year's resolutions in an effort to come up with my newest ones, God hit me with a simple yet profound thought in regards to the new year.  That thought came from the very first verse in the very first book of the Bible, "In the beginning God..."  Genesis 1:1.

Though the context of this verse is the Creation Story, I can see it's application in this brand new year.  So instead of resolutions that leave me feeling just a little defeated by the end of the year (or sooner), I'm changing tactics and placing my focus on starting the year off with my priorities straight...by focusing on God!  God is my beginning for 2011...but not just the beginning...He will be the middle and end as well.  The way I see it is if I start off the year right by CHOOSING to live for God...by loving Him with all that I am, serving Him, obeying Him, knowing Him, following Him, and listening to Him...then my life will align itself within His will!  I can wholly trust Him with this year without fearing the future - and without fear of failing at any stupid resolutions! 

So my one and only resolution for 2011 is to be a better follower of Christ!

And through Christ, I CAN do this!

Grace and peace, friends!  Have a blessed new year! 

In His Love, Cathy