Children's Ministry? Oh my!

Yes, I am a slow learner. Trust God, remember? Well, opening night was a little stressful. I really need to improve my relaxation skills. Things never go how they "should" and I need to roll with the punches.

The 0-4 year old children's program coordinator is sick. So guess who had to step up? Yes, me. Normally, I am not very good at children's ministry. I am usually too lenient. I don't like telling other children to behave. Luckily I was not alone, there were three children (including my own) and one other adult - the pastor's wife. Together we were able to keep the kids occupied.

And yes, I learned that telling other kids to behave is not so hard. It just gets old (and my own Princess is NOT good at sharing so she gets corrected very often). We did play Daniel and the lions den with a stuffed lion and playhouse. That was fun. Secretly, I am glad the Princess and I only attend the meetings on the weekends. Mainly because those children can sure wear a person out! (I am feeling old before I am old.)

So my lesson today: be open to whatever God places before you. Once we get a breather, I will need to find something for the kids to do, at least until the "teacher" is not sick. Plus, I am thankful that even though these other ladies have regular jobs, they still come out in the evening, tired, and willing to work for God. That brings conviction to this old complainer any day. Thank you, Lord, for helping me grow.

Oh, and if any of you know of some great children's ministry resources, drop me a comment or an email!

I linked this post to the Friday Frustrations meme.

Evicted!

We have arrived at our first seminar here in Central California. Yesterday, the Princess and I flew in and met my wonderful husband, who drove down from Washington. Isn't he great?

Unexpectedly, our housing situation changed. An older couple from church had a trailer here, and they were wintering in Palm Springs. Free housing enables to the local church to save money on the budget. While the thought of free housing instantly stresses me out. "A trailer?", I thought to myself. It is always difficult for me when plans change once I was looking forward to something. Our other housing was a furnished apartment with a gym on site. (I really have been wanting to work out daily!)

Once we arrived here at the trailer, we realized that it was a nice home, but the couple was not prepared to have a family stay here for 4 weeks - especially one with a toddler. (Sorry about that fake plant by the television!) Their pantry, fridge, closets, dressers - everything was full. We talked with their son, who lives here locally, and were given permission to move anything we needed to. Feeling strange about touching other people's things, we unpacked quite gingerly. Well, I did at least. I can't speak for other members of my family, who don't let things bother them so much. (My Princess, thought everything was hers, as she walked through the home saying, "Mine".

After we unpacked, all our things (you know we fit everything in our Honda Civic with us in it!) we decided to go for a walk. The first house we walk by, we met the neighbor who is taking care of the plants and watching the house. Within five minutes of talking with her she tells us we are not supposed to be staying here. It is a 55 an older community and no children are allowed here. The kind neighbor also told us to go speak with the on site manager and find out if they will make an exception. Before 5pm, we found out that yes, we do have to move. We were granted one night here since we had a baby (whew!) and we called the furnished apartment complex and we can move in at 2pm!

So after this day, I realized something. It is something I need to learn, and it is something I have realized many times before. (Why can't I just "get" it?) It is a simple two words:

Trust God!

Instead of worrying, getting frustrated, relying on self - I just need to rely on God. He is so good to us. Even if this housing worked out, it is nice. And the desire of my heart - a gym on site and empty cupboards and drawers - well that is possible, if it is God's will. In this case, I feel that God was testing my heart, and I failed yesterday for a couple hours. This is our first seminar back on the road again, in the future I must remember this lesson.

Oh, and thanks for keeping me in your prayers. I know I need it!

Simply Overflow J.E.S.U.S.

I found this great little article on another blog. I had to use it here too. I really do want to Simply Overflow J.E.S.U.S. this year and always.


Simply Overflow J.E.S.U.S.

Simply: from simplify: to make less complex or complicated]

Overflow: to flow or run over

Join: mingle intentionally. “The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, "Follow Me."--Ministry of Healing p. 143.

Elevate: the tenor of my conversations. Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Surrender: A heart in surrender will be Spirit directed to give a "word in due season." Prov.15:33. Be it vocal words or printed words.
Isaiah 30:21 “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Unity: Involve other people, in prayer for, friendship with and service for our friends.
John 17:11 “That they all may be one…that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”

Serve: Seeing eyes, willing hands and an understanding heart is Jesus' key to reaching the heart & mind. “ Sympathize…pray with them, watch for opportunities to do them good…and open the Word of God.”

-Review & Herald, March 13, 1888

A New Calling

There are times when my dear husband gets a call to go somewhere, and we always feel thankful that other people appreciate the talents God has given him and want him.

Last summer he got an offer to be the President of a small school in Norway. Wow! We had just recently accepted a call (at that time) to go back on the road with Amazing Facts. Plus, to be honest, Norway, did not appeal to this West Coast girl. I am sure if we felt impressed by God to go, we would have. Thankfully that is not where He was leading.

Then, yesterday, we got a call from Australia. Another evangelism school asked my husband to come and be the director for 4 months. Australia? How cool is that? Airfare, housing and food provided for the entire family. Australia? Calls like this are much harder to turn down. Unfortunately, the dates do not match our 2010 schedule. But Australia? Wow!

Help For Haiti

Matthew 24:7 - For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

In our family we believe that Jesus is coming back to this earth for His church. But we also believe that towards the end of the world we will see more wars, famines and earthquakes. As I watch and read the news, I am saddened. When you see children and mothers crying and even dead on the television your heart breaks. It is actually very difficult to turn on the television right now.

We are so blessed here, that you cannot help but want to do something. This afternoon I heard that some shipping companies and airlines are sending items for free to Haiti. But that has turned out to be false. (But, that would have been cool.) Giving has become so easy. The American Red Cross will allow you to text "Haiti" to 90999. Also, CNN has put together a list of reputable organizations that you can donate to.

On that list you will find Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). On their website you will see that they protect the vulnerable, support families, promote health, provide food and water, establish livelihood, and respond to emergencies. The thing I really love about ADRA is that over 90% of private donation goes to humanitarian efforts. That is among the highest in the humanitarian industry. I have donated to this Christian organization before and appreciate the work they do. We made the decision to donate to ADRA this evening. If you would like to donate go here, you won't be sorry that you have been able help in some small way the people of Haiti.

Join me in praying for the Haitian victims and if you can, give a monetary gift to help. I am linking up today with Money Saving Mom. If you head over to her blog you can link your own post to hers, or comment. Either action will result in raising money for the Haitian victims. There is also a long list of bloggers who are doing the same thing.

Living Intentionally

Encouragement and conviction are wonderful things and tonight I have experienced both. Lisa's post over at Extravagant Grace regarding Living Intentionally has been a God send. What began as a week of encouragement, reviewing and planning has now been extended for the new year and I am excited to be participating. The things that Lisa has planned for her year are the things that I want to intentionally plan as well, they include:

• scripture memorization - 2 new scripture verses per month. I would like to learn not only promises that I can claim but also verses that will help in counseling others as we are traveling.
  
• expand my prayer time and relationship with God - some days it is difficult to find the time. I want to, with God's help, spend more time with Him.
  
• mentor my daughter and other women in my circle - I want to be a good role model to my daughter. I want her and others to truly see Jesus in me.
  

I would also like to add marriage enrichment to my intentional living plan for the year. I am so blessed with a great husband, I want to be a blessing to him as well. I also want to focus on my character faults, intentionally praying daily and allowing God to change me from the inside out.

Tomorrow I will be spending time looking for a verse for the year. A theme. As I have been recently studying the fruits of the Spirit, I know that my theme must include Transformation and I want to also focus on Relationships (God, Husband, Daughter, Others). So any suggestions of verses are greatly appreciated.

Ministry life is not always easy, but it is a blessing. It can save you, truly. It makes you want to cling to Him. This year, 2010, as we move into a new phase of ministry I do want to Live Intentionally for Him.

Prayer Requests

As our family travels the country we always ask if anyone has prayer requests. If you are visiting our blog and have a special prayer request please leave a comment here. We will pray for your request during our family prayer time. If you would rather email me directly, please visit my profile and you will find my email address.

Yet give attention to your servant's prayer and his plea for mercy O Lord, my God. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence this day.
1 Kings 8: 28

New Year, New Job

Last year, we made the decision for Tyler, my wonderful husband, to take a position as an Associate Speaker with the Christian ministry Amazing Facts. This will require us to travel the world sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. The job transfer has enabled us to choose where we want to live and we chose to be near my family here in Washington. So a new year, a new job, and a new home - We are excited to see what God has in store for us. This year we are currently scheduled to be in California , London, and Kansas City. In this blog you will find stories of our life on the road - the hardships, the miracles, the fun times, the sight seeing, the highs and lows. I am excited to be sharing this with you all.

We do have another family blog, mainly dedicated to updates on our Princess Isabella. You can find that here.