VBS

I have fond memories of Vacation Bible School (VBS) as a child. Two cookies and a (as in one) cup of Kool-Aid. Flannel boards and construction paper. Crayons and round end safety scissors. And of course, Betty Stroud! She was our pastors wife. Charles and Betty Stroud were the pastor and wife combo that has set the standard for me since I was a child. They were such a blessing to many people (of all ages).

Miss Betty was always prepared to do whatever needed to be done. VBS was always fun and entertaining and educational. We didn't have high tech media but we had enthusuastic leaders. They were prepared ahead of time and told us Bible stories with an extra umph! I think one year I could actually see Zacheus in that tree and I could smell the palm branches as Jesus rode into Jerusalem.

I am now involved in vocational Ministry and am preparing for two VBS weeks in June. I have been amazed at the people who are willing to drop what they are doing to teach kids about Jesus. Not just tell a story, but model the love of Jesus, tell the stories of the Bible with reality and enthusiasm.

How wonderful it is to see the face of a kids as they recite the memory verse!
How wonderful it is to see the face of a child who realizes his need for a Savior!
How wonderful it is to see the face of a child come out of the water during baptism!
How wonderful it is to see that child grow in their faith as others come along side them and mentor them and teach them!

Mark 10:16 say that Jesus took the children, laid His hands on them anad blessed them.
Children's Ministry is a hands on ministry!

Field Day!

I spent yesterday (May 16, 2011) with the North Pike Elementary School at their Field Day. There were games for individuals, teams and even entire classes! The kids had a blast! I could see the determination and effort on the faces of the children in every race and relay. The teachers were enjoying the day as well. Besides not being in the classroom, they got to see a different side of their students. While these were mainstream classes, there was the occaisional participant that had challenges that most of us can't imagine. (I always pull for the underdog.)
I had the honor of being the announcer. The students were well behaved, well mannered. I couldn't help but think of how so often children get labled as disruptive and trouble. I think that is usually more of a problem on the adults perspective than it is the problem of the child.
Dont' get me wrong; I believe children should be respectful. But they're kids! They are wired to move and investigate and ask questions.
They are also wired to have adults love on them and guide them. Children are in need of adults in so many ways. One fact stared me in the face during Field Day; THERE ARE WAY MORE KIDS THAN ADULTS! That means alot of kids in the event did not have anyone that came to watch, encourage and cheer for them. That is sad.
I know that work schedules and other commitments prevent parents from attending every event that their children participate in, but I am saddened to see children who never have that encouragement.
What's my point? Make your children a priority. Encouarge them with your presence. Show up and let them know that they are important to you. Encourage other parents to join you.
One young boy summed it up yesterday when he flagged me down and with the biggest smile you've ever seen, exclaimed "Look over there! That's my dad! He came to see me play!!"

Things that make you stop and think -

Have you ever had one of those moments where you knew as soon as you did something or said something that it was not good? Of course you have!
When I was working as a nurse in an academic medical facility (Formerly known as a teaching hospital) we had a resident that was going to relieve a subungual hematoma. That is the black spot that shows up when you hit your (finger)nail with a hammer. Blood under the nail. It hurts like all get out. Well, the easiest, and recommended, way to relieve this is to place a hole in the nail directly over the spot. Now, I know what you're thinking, but the nail has no feeling. Where was I, Oh yeah, one way to achieve this hole in the nail is with a portable cautery; a loop of metal that is heated to about 450 degrees. Touch the nail and a hole is burned through the nail almost instantly. So, the resident sits down by the patient and explains what he was about to do. Not surprisingly, the patient showed great concern about the possibility of intense pain involved. The young doctor never batted an eye as he grabbed a bottle off the nearby cabinet. "Here, I'll numb your finger with this Ethel Chloride solution." Well this made the patient feel better, and the doctor sprayed the solution over the entire finger very liberally. Then the doctor took the cautery and heated it up and moved closer to the affected nail. WHOOSH!! a flash of flame erupted from the patients hand for about 1/100th of a second. That means it did not stay hot long enough to actually burn the skin. Well, everyone in the room jumped and screamed! I mean, it was scary for a second. The patient grabbed the bottle of Ethel Chloride and shook it at the doctor and screamed to the top of his lungs, "Dang DOC! It says flammable!"

New Life

I am always enthused with the symbolism of baptism (by immersion). Think about this:

A person decides to follow Christ; not because they must but because they chose to.
They decided to be baptized out of obedience to God's Word.
The Bible instructs believers to be baptized after their conversion.

• Jesus went to the cross voluntarily; the Christian goes into the water voluntarily.


• By being baptized in a public service, one bears witness to their decision to become a Christian.


• Also, by being baptized publically, one may cause others to question their relationship with Christ.


• Jesus was buried, the Christian is submerged in water / Jesus arose from the grave, the Christian is raised from the water.


• As the water drains from the body, one is reminded that their sins are washed away by the blood of Christ.

While the act of baptism does not impart salvation, it is an awesome way to follow in the teachings and footsteps of Jesus Christ.

As I write this, I am preparing to participate in a baptismal service. What a wonderful way to begin a worship service!

Beginning of a Journey

I am blessed to have a wonderful family, fantastic career and more good friends than I deserve. Why has God chose to bless me and my family? Well, it certainly is not because I deserve it. He does that, ya know. I have had great people around me and they have encouraged me in many ways. So, I hope that I can encourage others. Check back to this blog periodically and see if we can both be encouraged.