Advent Devotional Day One

Day One

"The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden” (Genesis 2:15a).

      Adam and Eve lived in a perfect environment. Sometimes our environment is negative and drags us down, and we may need to change it. But beware of saying, “If I only had a better environment.” A perfect place did not keep Adam and Even from making disastrous choices.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help me to live for You right where I am.

Turkey Day Thought

Happy Thanksgiving!! 

Tuesday Thoughts

This week we have suffered a great loss in our church and community.   The first time I met Jeff a little over a year ago he and I chuckled over my lack of football knowledge.  I have enjoyed my conversation with him about life and his family.   One thing that I loved about Jeff was that no matter what obstacle he was facing.  He prayed.   He asked questions.   He seeked a deeper relationship with Christ.  This week as everyone shares their stories and memories of this great man there is one theme that I see, he loved others and God.  That is the best testimony and legacy anyone can leave.

What legacy are you leaving your children?  

Saying Goodbye

Coach Robbins was a great husband, father and an amazing leader in our community. He will be deeply missed. Our prayers are with Tatum and the family during this time.




Funeral Information for Jeff Robbins:
Tuesday, November 18 - Visitation from 2 - 9 at Bosley Funeral Home
Wednesday, November 19 - Funeral at LUMC 11am





Parents... A few thoughts on grief for you:

1. No one grieves the same. Everyone has their own pace through grief. It is good to encourage each other to talk, cry, be silent or even laugh.

2. It is is a deep hurt when someone dies. The closer the person is to us the deeper it hurts.

3. There are five stages to the grieving process but they are not set in stone. Some people stay in one stage longer or jump around. There is no set order or process of going through the stages of grief. The five stages are: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance.

4. Remember that we don't know what the other person is thinking or feeling. We can have an idea but we are not in their shoes. Offer to listen, pray with them, tell them that you love them and let them know that you are hurting too.

5. Share stories and your feelings with them. Children and youth learn from us how to grieve the loss of a loved one. We can learn and grow together.

6. Allow them to ask questions and don't be afraid to answer them honestly. Address fears and feelings as they come up.

7. Expect their behaviors to change and remember they are a normal part of grief.

8. Remember that children and youth are more resilient than we expect. Don't be surprised if they move ahead quickly after a loss of someone they love.

Romans 8:26-27, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.” (NIV)

Tuesday Thought

Sticky Topics .... Sticky Questions 

In youth we are tackling some sticky topic questions.   This past week we talked about is Jesus the only way to Heaven/God.  The week before we talked about does the Bible contradict itself and talked about the differences between the Gospel accounts of the Resurrection.  This week our sticky topic is life styles.  

Sticky questions can be difficult to deal with.  Our children seem to come up with them at the most unusual moments.  Those times when you aren't prepared.  Like standing in the check out line or right after a rough day.  They come to us wanting and expecting us to have all the answers.  Sometimes we don't have all the answers.  And that is okay.   They also expect us to be honest with them when we don't know something.  To search for the answer together sometimes can be more of a teaching moment than for us to just give them an answer.

Children are questioners.  If we treat this right we will create a child who is not afraid to ask questions and will be a life long learner.

This week have your children to ask you questions.  If this is new they may not have questions at first but allow them to think and even give them an example of a question you might have had at their age. For younger children when they ask that "why" question answer them and encourage them to keep asking questions.   This encouragement can begin by asking them questions.  Also, don't be afraid to say I don't know but lets look it up or ask someone who might know.





Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe. 

–Augustine

Tuesdays Thought

Well it is November and the Facebook month of thanks has started. I think being thankful is important to teach our children.  I feel that we often focus on the negatives of life and forget to be thankful for the small things.  

So cause I know I won't be able to do this on a daily bases, cause I always miss a day :) here is my month of thanksgiving...

 

1. Thankful for my family

2. Thankful for the fall leaves that remind us that change isn't always bad but can be beautiful too

3. Thankful for animals and their unconditional love

4. Thankful for camp 

5. Thankful for books to expand our minds and travel the world in

6. Thankful for Netflix :)

7. Thankful for phones and texting 

8. Thankful for rocking chairs

9. Thankful for people who are willing to use their gifts without reservation

10. Thankful for my youth girls and all their sassy charm

12.  Thankful for warm blankets

13. Thankful for friends near and far

14. Thankful for my church family

15.  Thankful for my youth boys who always keep me on my toes

16. Thankful for a home and a building to do ministry in

17. Thankful for the community that I love and the one I work in

18. Thankful for the laughter of children

19. Thankful for the deep questions that children ask

20. Thankful for soft hugs 

21. Thankful for the prayers of our toddlers

22. Thankful for the snuggles of a baby

23. Thankful for swings

24. Thankful for peppermint and baby wipes and pineapple juice

25. Thankful for laughter and tears

26. Thankful for health and doctors

27. Thankful for toys and puppets

28. Thankful for vans that carry our kids to and from church

29. Thankful for the support from others

30. Thankful for being able to wake up each day and learn more about God and share that knowledge with others

Trunk or Treat 2014!!

Thank you to all who helped make this years Trunk or Treat a huge success!

Tuesday Thoughts

Looking at the blog to do some updates and realized I never pressed publish on Tuesday!  Please forgive me ... here is our Tuesday Thought ...

This past weekend I went to see one of our youth in a play.  I love being able to share those moments with our children and youth.   Our church is full of very talented people including our youth!  As leaders and caregivers we have the joy of helping the children in our lives to see their God given potential.  This week focus on your child's gifts and talents.  Help them to find a way to use their gifts each day.  You will find them to be happier and fulfilled.

http://www.spiritualgiftstest.com/test/youth  - Youth

http://cozmtzion.weebly.com/uploads/9/9/1/6/991676/92739299-youth-spiritual-gifts-test-1.pdf - Kids