Oct/080
In Everything, Be Thankful
It’s not even November yet, and I’m already eagerly looking forward to the holidays — Christmas & Thanksgiving! Perhaps this is a side affect of turning 40 —this nostalgic holiday feeling on October 29. Actually, I got excited for Thanksgiving after hearing my nine year old pray at dinner on Monday night.
It began Sunday morning when Pastor Kevin was sharing for communion about being thankful in all things. (Even being thankful when the opposing team beats you in paintball!) Sometimes you wonder if kids are even listening or understanding adult messages. However, it was obvious sitting at the kitchen table Monday evening that Selah “got it.” She started to pray and actually mentioned Pastor Kevin in her prayer and his message on being thankful. She then began to go through a whole long list of things for which she was thankful. I can’t even begin to remember or list them all. She just started and hit about everything. I sat there amazed first of all that she heard the message and really understood it. Then I was amazed at all the things for which she gave thanks. I thought as she prayed, “yes, God, we’re thankful for that.” I so appreciate kids at this age and what God teaches me through them.
Oct/080
SOWA Starts NOW!
I am sitting here at home in my office tonight catching up on a few things, and my mind is racing! I haven't been this excited in a long time. This week starts another term of SOWA – the Living Stones School of Worship Arts. I'm particularly excited about this session because I'm going to be teaching a new course. Well, the course isn't new, but our approach is. During the last session, some of other instructors taught SOWA Band for those emerging worshipers that were ready for the next level (to play in a band setting). This session marks the first time that I will be teaching the course. Instead of having all of the various instructors there, I'll be teaching the band as a unit as if they were going to be leading worship. Actually, they will be leading worship!! After a few weeks of preparation, they will actually be leading our children in Fresh Fire Kids on the first Tuesday night of the month. (Fresh Fire Kids is our worship and intercession night for children!)
This is exciting – where can young people get this opportunity to be trained and then to actually "do the stuff" and lead others in worship. I know we're not the only place doing this, but it certainly isn't commonplace yet in the Body of Christ.
I'll give some more updates along the way . . .
Oct/080
Charlene’s Birthday
On Saturday, we took Charlene out for dinner at Northwoods to celebrate her birthday.
