mmmm...good stuff

Why is all the good tasting stuff bad for you?  I mean seriously, ice cream, cookies, taco's, hamburgers, fried chicken, cinnamon roles, candy, and french fries...don't even get me started on french fries... all bad for me.  That's not fair!  Why can't rice cakes taste like german chocolate cakes, in fact shouldn't they remove the word "cake" from rice cakes, I think they should be rice discs.  In truth, I'm quite disappointed in the flavor of truly healthy foods when given the choice between them and something deep fried, smothered in gravy and dipped in ketchup.

Maybe it's just a condition of this life.  I'm reminded of the great apostle Paul when he talked about the things he should do, he doesn't and the things he doesn't want to do, he does.  We all have our struggles against the temptations of this world and our kids are no different.  They may be the truest barometer of the message of Paul.  Recently my 13 year-old didn't do her chores, she got distracted by television or cell phone, or radio, or mp3 or her sister or her other sister or something else.  When I demanded to know why her chores weren't done she said "well dad, i meant to do them, but I got distracted and just didn't do it."  I guess she's not much different than me or the apostle Paul.  I don't know why God designed everything the way he did and why rice discs can't taste like german chocolate cake, somethings will just have to wait 'till I'm there.  In the meantime I'm just going to keep praying that God helps me do the things I know are good and right and healthy and to stay away from the things that are not.  I pray the same for you!  Be Blessed!

Words speak worlds

What a powerful thought, the fact that God created the world and everything in it by speaking!  There's power in the words we speak.  I was recently looking at some goals I had established for myself and family 5 years ago.  At the time these were a combination of realistic things and others that would require a miracle.  I began to chuckle when I realized that those goals I spoke into existence have ALL been accomplished. 

The Bible tells us to speak life and not death.  This is especially true about our children.  It doesn't matter their age, we should speak life over them.  Life in the form of a fulfilling, fantastic life that God pours His blessings freely upon them.  A kind word to our children builds a positive identity and hurtful words tear them down...they really do.  

 Why do we have such a compulsion to speak negatively over people and things, particularly when they don't make us happy?  Does it make us feel better...really?  How would our lives be different if we took just one day and refused to speak a negative word over anyone or anything.  To go an entire 24 hour period where we only spoke life or positive things over everyone and everything.  I'm going to try it, I'll let you know how it goes.

It was a dark and stormy night...

"It was a dark and stormy night..."  It paints a mental picture doesn't it.  It's easy to envision the setting, a thunderstorm with lightning and heavy rain with wind whipping all around.  This type of a beginning is foreboding to some unpleasant experience.  In my 40 years of life I've had many "dark and stormy nights."  However I've learned how to make it through, I rely on my relationship with Christ and the remembrance of making it through other tough times.

Sometimes kids go through difficult times, but don't have a mature relationship with God or life experiences to fall back on.  Sometimes they bottle it up inside, other times they lash out.  Being a children's pastor, I get the opportunity to pray with children on a regular basis.  I hear about the problems between mom's and dad's, health issues with grandparents, difficulties at school, etc...  Kids of today are going through some really challenging things!

However, we serve a God who loves them and cherishes their hearts.  Pray for your children and the children that are a part of your life, whether family, neighbors or children of your friends.  Speak encouragement to them and about them, remember that words create worlds.  Give them hope when they're going through their "dark and stormy night" and remind them that SONSHINE always follows the rain.  Be Blessed!

Amazing Grace

Today was another amazing day at Grace.  I love my church!!!  In "big" church at the Humble campus Pastor Chuck introduced week 2 of House of Cards, David Adam made sure the Xtreme Team kept flowing smoothly and I was blessed to minister at Garden Oaks.  While I was there, I had an opportunity to briefly meet with Veronica Mabasa and her amazing leaders just after service.  That team exemplifies "servant leadership."  Ms. Kalechi is a fantastic children's leader.  Each week she arrives 2 hours prior to service and sets up the facility so the kids will be ensured a great environment.  She also checks all the equipment and materials, in other words she cares about the X-perience the kids of the Xtreme Team are going to have.  

Ms. Dora is another fantastic leader from Garden Oaks.  Each week she puts together the best crafts I have ever seen for the children and she is a great teacher.  She is amazingly gifted and cares so much about how the kids will be ministered to.  

The old saying goes "everything rises and falls with leadership."  Their leader is one of the best children's workers I've known.  Ms. Veronica cares and is deeply committed to the children's ministry of Garden Oaks.  There are many other wonderful volunteers at our Garden Oaks campus who work with these leaders week in and week out and bless the children who attend.

I believe the Lord is happy knowing that such faithful and passionate leaders are using their skill and talent to minister to those he calls the greatest.  Good job Garden Oaks Xtreme Team!

300,000 vs. 1

In North America there are approximately 300,000 churches.  300,000!  What a great time to be a Christian.  If you like to dance and shout when you worship, there's a church for you.  If you want a more sedate environment, there's a church for you.  If you love fire and brimstone, there's a church for you.  Most churches have some form of children's ministry.  They vary in content and environment as much as, if not more than, the adult services.  

On the other hand, there is 1 Disneyworld.  Sure, there's Disneyland, but it's not Disneyworld.  Disneyworld is the most visited vacation destination in the world.  They've created an environment based upon one simple premise, their motto..."Make kids happy!"  It's a simple vision that is never compromised.  Everything they do is designed around this notion.  When people visit they are assimilated into the culture which envelopes them through all of the senses.

What can we learn from how they operate?  Let's understand who we are and embrace the call God has placed upon the ministries we serve.  Next, let's find a way to capture the imaginations of kids for Christ and never compromise it.  Finally, let's accept the challenge to operate with X-cellence in all we do!  Lord, develop in us a passion and culture to build a bridge that will lead children to your throne.

Try, try, try again...

I'm amazed by the human capacity to learn.  As babies we learn to walk, as toddlers we learn to run, as children we learn to jump...  Throughout life we're given opportunities to continue to learn.  I see it with my own children now, our 15 year old is learning to drive (aaaaaggggghhhhh), our 13 year old is learning theatre, our 7 year old has just learned to ride her bike with no training wheels.  As parents, Brenda and I must learn how to parent teenage girls (for me it equates to bald and broke), as ministers we're learning to pastor an ever-growing congregation and as a children's ministry we're learning how to remain relevant to individual children, even though our numbers continue to climb.  God has given all of us this tremendous mind to capture information, process it and develop skill which reflects the knowledge we've attained.  Wow, what an awesome God.  We must be pretty special, to be equipped with this ability.

What a pity it would be if we were to decide to stop learning.  If we were to resign ourselves to the idea that we've learned all there is to know or all that we're capable of knowing.  Just think about it, a little over 500 years ago everyone KNEW the world was flat, less than 150 years ago everyone KNEW that man would never fly, 50 years ago everyone KNEW that it was physically impossible for a human to run a mile in under 4 minutes, and 2,000 years ago everyone KNEW that Jesus was dead and gone.  What do we KNOW today?  I challenge you to learn something NEW tomorrow, then the day after and the day after that...  Lord, renew our minds with the knowledge you would have for us.  Help us, Lord, to maximize this wonderful gift of learning and may You be glorified because of it.

Natives and Immigrants

Earlier this year I heard and interesting statement:  "The children of today are internet "natives" and we as parents are "immigrants."  Our kids are growing up with the internet as a normal part of their lives.  Trying to act like it doesn't exist is not the answer, neither is treating it like it is evil in it's entirety.  Likewise, we would be foolish if we believed there aren't dangers for our children.

Having a 7 year-old, I am always looking for fun web sites for her that contain content I am comfortable with her viewing.  In fact, it goes a little deeper than that for me.  I don't just want "kid safe" content, I would prefer her to spend time on websites that reflect our beliefs and that I can feel comfortable.  You see "kid safe" isn't the same as "Christian."  "Kid safe," "child friendly," "G-rated," "all ages," etc... simply means there will be no pornographic material or foul language.  Unfortunately, content doesn't have to contain these things to be dangerous for kids.  The introduction of, and political slants toward social issues that go against Biblical principles is rampant on the internet.  I'm not ok with endorsing these viewpoints to my daughter by allowing her to spend time on them.  

Here is a link to check out: http://www.christiankidstop100.com/ .  There's 100 great "Christian" websites for KIDS!!!!  Check it out.  Lord, help us be great parents to our kids and let us not be blinded by technology.  Be blessed.

From Vicki

We have some incredible leaders working in the Xtreme Team each week.  Below is an excerpt from a note sent out by our Elementary Coordinator, Vicki Harcrow, to her team members today. Our kids are blessed to have such great people working to ensure they have an amazing X-perience each week.

"Hi Team!

 
What an amazing weekend!  I was so honored to have met with missionaries from the Middle East.  (This is my passion)  Without taking away from all the wonderful things they are involved in, I will just tell you a little of what they do. They run a summer camp for children, I believe it is abused children, and through this they have seen many children come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Even children who are from Muslim homes.   And that in turn brings those Muslim parents to accept Jesus. SWEET!
 
So be encouraged and strengthened today and know that what you are doing for the Kingdom is priceless.  No child leaves this church without feeling God’s love.  And who knows, what you pour into these children every week may be ministering to a lost parent.  How great is it to have an entire family living for and believing in Jesus Christ.  Imagine what that would be like in your own families.  As you continue to minister to these children every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday may God bless your home, your family, your finances and anything you touch.  
 
You are an awesome team and I am blessed to know each of you." 

Thanks for sharing Vicki!
  

Great people

Great people are so refreshing!  I got a chance to spend today with a great friend.  People with agenda's or people who look for leverage in relationships are annoying to me.  I enjoy the company of those who enjoy sharing themselves and their heart about things we both find interesting.  Being a good friend, often times, is a skill that parents sometimes forget to develop in their children.  Friendship is addressed about 90 times in the Bible.  My favorite is Proverbs 18:24, when we are encouraged to show ourselves friendly if we want friends.  For me this means to be  friend of integrity and character, to consider the thoughts and feelings of my friends when I do or say anything that will affect them.  I want to be an encourager, an exhorter, a fan, a sounding board and an example to my friends.  I want them to know they can trust me and that I truly care about them and what's important to them.  These are the things I try to teach my children, so they might be great friends.  Lord bless us with a Godly spirit of friendship, that we might be a reflection of You.

Wow...just wow!!!

This has been an amazing weekend at Grace.  On Friday we welcomed some of our global ministry partners from Africa and the Middle East and they blessed us the entire weekend.  If you ever desire to expand your view of Jesus Christ, find someone from a foreign land and ask about how ministry is done where they are done.  Although the cultures may be different, like what a house is, what you eat, how you speak, customs, etc..., it's the same Jesus.  There is no "American" Jesus or "Iranian" Jesus or "Russian" Jesus, there is simply Jesus.  He is the saviour of the lost, regardless of origin.  It's such a blessing to be around those who are different than you, but love the same Lord.  

We introduced our partners to the Xtreme Team and were called to remembrance by the Lord.  We had not remembered that in 2005 we sent backpacks to Africa and the Middle East through VBS.  The children brought 300 and we divided them equally and shipped them.  The men and women with us this weekend were the recipients of those backpacks.  It wasn't planned to have them here at the same time, it was totally God!  Praise Him!  Be blessed that our God recognizes our resolve and gives us benchmarks to reassure us that we're on the right path.

Missionaries arriving today!!!

Today is a great day for Grace Church, we have missionaries arriving for a weekend fellowship and sharing.  I thank God that I'm a part of a church that not only embraces other cultures, but supports their efforts in ministering to the lost.  It's so comforting to live in a nation that doesn't openly persecute a person for following Jesus.  Other countries do not operate that way, so God uses chosen people to work in high risk conditions to minister salvation unto the people.  This weekend we have 4 amazing men and women with us that operate in these turbulent environments.  I'm really excited that many of our young people will be able to meet and greet these heroes of faith.  Talk about role models...

Take a moment to think and pray about global christianity.  Let the Lord guide you and your children in discussions about what it means to be a christian lands where christians are persecuted.  The more we pray about these things, the more "real" they become in our lives and the more opportunity God has to bless them.

A remnant

The dictionary defines a remnant as "a small remaining quantity of something; a surviving trace."  Remnants are important, they serve as a reminder of something worth remembering. Occasionally I'll come across a photo or newspaper article from the 1970's or '80's and I'm transported back to a place and time that is important to me.  Without the remnant I probably wouldn't think back as often as I do.  One remnant I have is my gas mask I used the the 1st Gulf War.  Whenever I see it in my closet I instantly remember the people, places and events that had such a profound impact in my life that I experienced in that war.  The gas mask is a small remaining quantity or a surviving trace of my time in the military.

Last night we began to build a remnant in the children's building.  After a child accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, we're asking them to write their name and the date on the wall.  It will serve several purposes, first--all who see it will know that on that date something amazing happened and a party was had in heaven, second--each time the child returns, they will see their name and the date that their life was changed, third--volunteers and leaders will be encouraged by the work God is doing through their efforts in expanding the Kingdom, and finally, when we move to other buildings and have other programs, a remnant will remain of the incredible saving power of God's Grace.

Dancing the night away

How old were we when it was no longer "cool" to dance for no particular reason?  Sometimes, when everyone in my house is so busy doing "important" stuff, I get a kick out of watching my 7 year-old, Isabella.  Grooving to a soundtrack playing only in her head, she will dance carefree, mindless of who may be watching and not concerned with being right on cue.  Nothing seems to prompt these spontaneous outbursts of artistic display, she just decides to dance and that's good enough for her.  She's not dancing to elicit a response or to impress anyone with her moves, no it's much purer than that, she just feels compelled to move and does it.  My middle child Megan (age 13) still occasionally breaks into a fun or silly dance...but not as often as she used to.  Our 15 year-old, Ashlie, wouldn't be caught dead dancing for no apparent reason...she's way to "cool" for anything so ridiculous.

Could it be for this reason that Jesus calls children the "greatest" in the kingdom of Heaven?  Their unabashed and simple faith is powerful.  Each week in the Xtreme Team elementary department we give an open call for prayer.  It's an amazing thing to witness and even more incredible to participate with the kids.  As soon as the altars and leaders are available for prayer kids just line up.  You don't have to convince them or push them, they know that Jesus is ready to hear their request.  Sometimes we hear cute requests like "please help my dog be brave when she goes to get a haircut," other times we hear "Lord, please help my mom and I find a place to go...her boyfriend kicked us out of his apartment because mom won't quite doing drugs."  Regardless of the details of the request, their faith is the same.  They simply and wholly believe Jesus can do something about the situation, so they're asking him to.  What beautiful faith.

Maybe we can learn something from our kids.  Maybe we can pray the way they dance, without seeking attention or feedback, without caring who's looking, regardless if the setting is right or the if the environment is prepared.  In fact, I believe that particular type of freedom is truly liberating.  Lord, help me remember the freedom of my childhood and to seek you with that type of faith, a pure one.

A day of rest?

Where does the time go on rest days???  Seriously, it seems like I just woke up and did a couple of things and now the day is gone.  Do you ever have those days or is it just me?  The Bible says that even God took time to survey His work and rested.  I think I need to do some of the same.  It's so easy to just get caught up in the moment and move from task to task without taking a break.  In doing so we miss the feeling of accomplishment, the satisfaction of a job well done.  In fact, today I spent the better part of the day mulching...yes, that's right mulching.  If you've not had the pleasure of buying mulch in bulk, driving it home worried that some is going to fly out and blind anyone within close proximity of your rear bumper, getting home and asking if anyone wants to help and hearing "we love you daddyyyyyy, but no," blowing the cobwebs off some long forgotten remnant of yard tools, shoveling your new "red" mulch (oh no, traditional colors just won't do) onto your landscaping, lawn, walkway, driveway, street and pets for a couple of hours, then spending the next couple cleaning it up....well then it's impossible for you to relate.  However, at the end of this "project" I did take a moment to walk out to the street and revel in the victory that was hard earned despite a severe lack of talent, ability or landscaping intelligence.  It felt great.  Even though no one else was nearly as enthralled as I was, it felt SWEET!  

We can also miss the great work being done by others because we're so focused on the next thing to do.  Do yourself a favor...don't.  Refuse to miss an opportunity to tell someone they've done a great job.  Not as a courtesy, but really check out what they've done and celebrate it with them.  Both of you will be better for it.

Let's not neglect the accomplishment of little things.  Let's celebrate small victories, both for others and our own.  This past weekend was full of great things, I choose to not release them or relegate them to history just yet.  Likewise, I know that recognizing the victory of small things, victory is inevitable for big things.  Lord, let me be reminded of the great things you're doing.

An Xtreme Easter Weekend!

Wow...just wow!  What an amazing Easter weekend.  I'm so X-cited about what God is doing in the lives of our kids.  Consider for just a moment that at the Humble campus alone we had 850 Xtreme Team kids and leaders at church this weekend, 32 elementary students accepted Christ as their Lord and Saviour, 13 of the 35 people baptized were young people!  God is raising up a young generation that's X-cited about His plan for their lives.  These kids have a purity to their faith that I believe compels the heart of God.  They trust Him, they need Him, they are interested in Him.  It's for this reason I cherish all of our leaders, teachers, and volunteers.  I don't recall a Sunday where we operated so smoothly or had more staff to minister to the kids.  Thanks to all of the leaders and volunteers who worked X-tra services this weekend and those who made it possible to minister so effectively with your work during the week.

I feel now that God is challenging us as parents and leaders to continue to work diligently to develop these incredible young people and to train them up in the ways of the Lord.  As a church we must be an asset to parents and to re-enforce the great things they are doing to develop their children spiritually.  As parents we remember that there are some amazing adults who are working hard in the Xtreme Team to provide an environment for our children to prosper and grow in the Lord.  Let's work together and be amazed as God reveals His plans in the lives of our kids!  

Saturday Night Fever

It's Saturday Night Fever at Grace Church.  No Travolta, but we did have Pastor Scott who's dance moves are...well his preaching is FANTASTIC.  Tonight was an AMAZING night at Grace. My past is HIStory, get it...His story.  The Xtreme Team was packed for a Saturday night.  Of course, this is no ordinary Saturday night.  Vicki, Terrance and Mary did an awesome job ministering in elementary.  They had 60+ kids and had them all engaged in the story of the resurrection.  The Brown's and team were J.A.M.ming in Pre-K tonight.  It take special people to minister to Pre-k'ers and the Lord knows we've got some "special" volunteers.  Thanks to Ms. Helen in the Nursery.  She stepped up tonight and filled in for Amanda who was taking care of sick babies.  Also Mrs. Ashley did a great job in the baby Nursery, she always does.

Kudos to Sheryl and the Wednesday night team.  Tonight we baptized a young lady who was led to the Lord in Wednesday night Xtreme a couple of weeks ago.  Great job team!

Parents, tell your kids you love them everyday.  Find reasons to compliment them and encourage them.  Your words will shape their world.  Have a blessed Easter!

Good Friday

Today is "Good Friday."  I've made it a point for it to truly be a "Good" Friday.  I pray your is as well.  For me, this means lots of family time.  It's a great opportunity to take inventory of my kids.  No, I'm not worried that i've lost any of them.  They just grow up so quickly that there are times I enjoy looking at their faces and listening to their words.  I want to capture these moments and bottle them...I think it was Jim Croce who penned "Time in a bottle."  It's all part of God's grand design and I choose to enjoy each season of it.  My wife is a beautiful woman, I don't know that I always take the time to appreciate her beauty, but today on "Good" Friday I am.  Both her inward and outward beauty and I choose to appreciate the gift God has given me.

What about your "Good" Friday?  What will you notice?  What will you choose to give your time to?  In speaking of communion, it was Christ who said "do this in remembrance of me."  I pray that throughout this Holy weekend that all you do will have a remembrance of Christ and his incredible plan for your life.

Great Job!!!

Our Wednesday night teams did a great job last night.  Sheryl and her team in elementary really reached the kids by ministering on "choosing to be loyal."  Illiana roped Thomas into helping in Prek/k and I'm sure he loved not only working beside his bride, but also working with the J.A.M. kids.  As always, our Nursery leaders did a great job.  We just need to make sure that whoever commits to show up for their shift, actually shows up.

Easter looms!  I'm so excited for this weekend, yeah I know i've already said that on an earlier post, but it's true.  We're going to be baptizing Saturday night and after 3rd service on Sunday, it's not too late to sign up...if you know someone, please inform them.

You guys and gals make it possible for us to continue to be relevant to those the Christ called the greatest in kingdom of God!  THANK YOU.

Xtreme Team is AWESOME!

Today has been an amazing day.  The Executive Leadership staff met for several hours discussing the current and future state of things.  We are so excited about what God is doing at Grace.  The growth is continuing in the Xtreme Team, as it is with the rest of the church, and this coming weekend is going to be fun, X-citing and challenging all at the same time.  We have such great children's ministry leaders and volunteers, the kids of Grace are blessed to be ministered to by them.

Speaking of this weekend, I challenge all of you remember what Easter is all about.  It's the superbowl, national championship, world series...and more for Christians.  It's the time we celebrate the resurrection of Christ.  Wow, that's the most amazing thing about being a Christian.  I don't celebrate the agony of the cross, I DO celebrate the victory of the empty tomb.  I pray that your weekend is full of celebration and excitement, cheers and adrenaline.  Not to disrespect the Holy, but to be pumped up for God!