Wee Wittle Worshippers

What a great reminder we had last Sunday about the influences that shape our kids. When we see our kids throwing food at the table or fighting with their brothers & sisters it is difficult to think of them as little worshippers. They were created by God for worship and they will worship, either God or idols. How many times are we as parents guilty of putting those idols in front of our kids? Oh, we don't think of them in that way, but how much time do we spend emphasizing sports, grades, music, or other things. While in and of themselves they are not bad, yet our emphasis places them as an item of worship for our kids. Some of our kids may be young, but even then they are watching us. When Mackenzie was little someone once told me to watch how she disciplines her dolls and stuffed animals as it will be a direct reflection of how we were disciplining her. What an eye opener to see it in action and hear her repeating to the doll the words and tone that had come out of my mouth. How convicting to think that these little worshippers are watching us and seeing what we worship by what we spend our time doing. May we as parents all realize the influences from the outside that are trying to mold our kids are more numerous and stronger than ever before. They seem to bombard us earlier than we expect. They can come from things as seemingly harmless as cartoons or the Disney channel. If we don't shape how are kids think and act they will. May we strive to daily point our little worshippers Godward to a relationship with Him.

Thought For The Week - Jesus and the Burglar

This week I was reminded in a humorous way of a point that we often overlook. We try to teach the principle to our kids, but how many of us go day in and day out and forget the fact that God is everywhere and sees all things. It may change how we live this week.
"A burglar broke into a house and shined his flashlight around looking for valuables. He picked up a CD player when a strange, disembodied voice echoed from the dark saying: 'Jesus is watching you.' He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked off his flashlightand froze. When he heard nothing more he continued. Just as he pulled the stereo out he heard: 'Jesus is watching you,' Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically. Finally, in the corner of the room his light beam came to rest on a parrot. 'Did you say that?' he hissed at the parrot. 'Yep,' the parrot confessed, then squawked, 'I'm just trying to warn you that he's watching you,' The burglar relaxed. 'Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you?' 'Moses,' replied the bird. 'Moses?' the burglar laughed. 'What kind of people would name a bird Moses?' 'The kind that would name a rottweiler Jesus."

Food, Fun & Fellowship

First of all, thanks to all of you who went to eat with us last night at Luigi's after church. The food and service were very good but the fellowship was better. I learned several new things last night. For instance did you know that Andrea is leaning to shift her vote for the pro-cloning ticket (Brian and I strongly oppose), or that Claire can make Pastor sweat, or that Tim is a peanut farmer. Amazing stuff!! Thanks to Stephanie for coordinating it and to the Spach's who supervised the "kiddie" end of the table. You did such a great job, we are thinking of giving you the official title of "Kiddie Table Coordinators." Just kidding, next time we will try to share the joy with some of the couples who have yet to experience the fun of taking multiple kids out to eat after there normal bedtime. We will definitely try to schedule another after church fellowship for November. Some of you who are creative need to help us come up with a good name for this. The best I have been able to come up with so far is "FACE - fun after church excursions or GRASS - growing relationships after Sunday service." Anyway, let's see if we can come up with an orignal, fun way to identify this activity. For all those that couldn't make it, hope to see you next time.

Heart or Behavior??

I hope all of you have been thinking about the lesson from Sunday morning. I know I was encouraged and convicted. Encouraged because God has given us a roadmap and a plan in His Word to follow as we daily strive to be a Godly parent. Convicted at the many times I am consumed with the behavior rather than the heart. How many times have I stressed actions and demanded obedience without worrying about what was happening on the inside. As a parent, sometimes I am satisfied with everyone seeing the nice shiny apples on the tree, without caring about how they got there. May we all begin this study with open transparent hearts, willing to change ourselves.
I hope you are all working on your "Digging Deeper" section of Chapter 1 in your parenting handbook. Also, remember that Sunday evening we are going out after church, so let Stephanie know if you can make it. I look forward to seeing you all on Sunday morning.

We'll Figure It Out Together

Well, I have no idea what I am doing, but we have a blog. I wanted to set up a place on the web where we could share information as a class and communicate about upcoming events and what God is teaching us. I hope it will be a blessing and a way of increasing how we can communicate as a class. If you have ideas let me know. Here goes nothing!!!