Pastor Tim's Blog for Parents

Part of the plan - 1

2011-05-31T14:14:00.000-07:00

Hey, I forgot to mention a few things.
1 - we're having Kids Games here at the church 6-8:30 pm Monday-Friday June 13-17. You can pre-register at www.kidsgameswestmi.com
2 - don't forget your God-Time devotionals. They are available every week when you pick up your children from Rush Hour.
3 - here are some points from an article I just read on summer planning

Let the kids help themselves to healthy snacks available in a designated place/drawer and a cooler of water outside. It'll save you running around to get them.
Place a shoe organizer in your entry closet door with things like sunscreen, bug spray, lip balm, hats, sunglasses, so your kids can grab them on their way outside (where you want them to play, right?).
Family Reading Time - schedule a time when the kids select a book they would like to read. You can select a book you would like to read. You can set a time for each day. This could also be a good time to do the God Time devotionals.
Talk to the kids about what each family member might like to do this summer. A canoe trip? Backyard camping (one of my favorites)?

Start planning the "fun stuff" now.

The "Plan" vs. I'm Bored

2011-05-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

Moms and Dads,
Summer vacation is here. I am amazed at how powerful the words "I'm bored" have become. It seems parents would rather hear many other things come out of their kids mouths than those dreaded words. In business, back in my grocery store days, I learned a phrase. It said, "Plan your work, then work your plan." This is simple, but profound. We also teach our leaders that good planning can eliminate 95% of discipline issues in a classroom. Put those together and having a plan in place for your kids will help them to avoid getting in trouble. Sit down with your kids and talk about some things the summer may have in store. Not just playing, but even learning how FUN some things like, doing laundry or mowing the lawn can be. Pray for creativity, wisdom and God's plan for you and your family and you'll be amazed at how well things go when you work His plan. Blessings to you and your family as you enter this new season.

Living Ready for Jesus' Return

2011-05-23T10:00:00.000-07:00

It was all over in the news, the world is going to end on 5/21 - earthquakes, the rapture. Everyone seemed to be talking about it. 5/21 has come and gone and here we are. I wanted to give you some scripture concerning this and encourage you to LIVE READY because we don't know exactly when Jesus will come back. 2 Peter 3:3-18

3 Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”

5 They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. 6 Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. 7 And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.

8 But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. 9 The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 10 But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.

11 Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, 12 looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. 13 But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

14 And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight.

15 And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him—16 speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction.

17 I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. 18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

Attitude

2011-02-23T13:30:00.000-08:00

My daughter posted on facebook concerning attitude and got some intersting responses from friends and relatives alike. I dug up the quote below to include in the stream of posts. Thought you might enjoy it and find it helpful. By the way, you may aslo want to read the kids blog on this one. I've got your back.

‎"Attitude" by Charles Swindoll. "The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than the facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances..., than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. it is more important than appearances, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company . . . a church . . . a home. the remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past . . . we cannot change the fact people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. the only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes."

New Year 2011 part 2

2011-01-10T06:21:00.000-08:00

Parents, we had a great time in church yesterday (1/9/11). Learning about DETERMINATION is a great tool to help us in this new year. "Deciding it's worth it to finish what you've started." The virtues we work on each month are life-changing, not just for kids but for teachers and even us pastors who get to share His Word each week. I also shared that God gave me a word for this new year and that word is "Growth". I am determined to grow in my relationship with Jesus, and I got some great ideas from the kids concerning how to do that. Reading my Bible, praying at a regular time (appointment), worshipping God ALL THE TIME (not just at church), and going to church are all things that will help me grow. I encourage you to check out our web page and dig in to these virtues with your kids. You will find God doing a work in you and you'll probably find yourself growing as well. Set your goal, chart your course and you will more likely get where you want to be than by just letting life unfold before you. Take your kids on the journey with you and stick to it with determination. Finish what you begin and do it as a family. I'll let you know how I'm doing! Time to go pray and read my Bible.

New Year 2011

2011-01-04T08:23:00.000-08:00

There is a sense that God is ready to do something very special in 2011. We have been praying for all that God has for us as individuals and as a church. I pray that this year you experience such growth in God that others see Him in you more than ever and even ask you why you are so different from everyone else. Be ready to give an answer for the hope that lies within you. As a church, we are fasting and praying for 21 days so we can focus on Him and hear His voice more clearly. We are encouraging your kids to talk with you about what you could do as a family. A time that you can pray together. Maybe they have a question about what fasting is. We want to encourage you to set the tone for your family in your house. With all the activities that demand to be taken care of, keep God and His Word at the top of your priority list and all the other stuff will fall into its place. We are praying for your family for this New Year and for all God wants to do in and through you in it. Happy New Year and God's mega-blessings!

FEAR - of God

2010-12-29T11:18:00.000-08:00

Make sure you read the kids post as well as yours on this one. The fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge (Proverbs 1:78) This is the theme of the book of Proverbs. Fear implies respect, awe, and (at times) knee-knocking terror. It also acknowledges that everything, including knowledge and wisdom, comes from total dependence on God. The fear of the Lord leads people towards humility and away from pride. It makes us more apt to listen to God than our own judgment or assessment of things. It places God in the central place of the world. He is the creator, the master of all things. This is also more than an attitude, it is a way of living. That takes into account God’s power, His authority and our ultimate accountability to Him. Challenge - are you brave enough to pray and ask God to help you fear Him? With all that means, some noted above, it would be a great way to start 2011.

December 2010 - JOY

2010-12-06T07:02:00.001-08:00

This month we're talking about Joy - finding a way to be happy even when things don't go your way. Last month we celebrated Thanksgiving. I think these two things tie in with each other, especially at this time of year. Sometimes we can receive a present from someone and feel disappointed rather than thankful. It wasn't what we wanted or hoped to receive. If we don't like it, we don't say thank you and we can even say something not so nice. If we remember to be thankful it can help us to be happy with what we received. After all, the giver of the gift really didn't have to give us anything at all. This Christmas, make sure you say thank you for your gifts and you'll be surprised as to how happy you can be when you are thankful. Maybe you can even take the time to write a thank you note to someone who has done something nice for you. That would be a nice gift for them and it would probably bring them some JOY. Have a blessed Christmas!

Helllloooo - Thanksgiving

2010-11-10T08:36:00.001-08:00

Thought to myself it's been way too long since I've posted here. We had a son get married, celebrated Harvest Fest and now, November is here. One of my favorite holidays of the year comes in November - Thanksgiving. It is good for us to stop and think about how truly blessed we are. I pray you have many things to give God thanks for. It's also important to remember to keep your attitude of gratitude. Here are a couple of reasons why from God's Word. Romans 1:21"Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. The result was that their minds became dark and confused." And 1 Thessalonians 5:18 - No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Not only does God want us to be thankful, it keeps us thinking right.

Ready or Not - Summer's Winding Down

2010-07-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Back to School - I know some parents may be very ready for this to happen. It does become quite evident when kids have run out of summer things to do. However, don't be in a hurry for something to end. Try to enjoy what you have while you have it.

Almost the end of July. It reminds me of something I wrote on my face book page the other day about stores. I think one of the meanest things stores do is put "Back To School" stuff out in early July. It seems like the summer just got started and they are already talking about going back to school. I'm not down on going to school but I think in this 24/7 society that's going 110 miles per hour we need to relax and enjoy where we are at without always feeling pressured to worry about what's coming. Now that statement opens another whole can of worms. We do need to be ready in advance for the most important event mankind will know - the return of the Lord Jesus Christ to the earth. We're not supposed to "worry" about tomorrow, but we are to be ready. So, back to school? It's good to be ready but don't let it rob you of enjoying the summer vacation you still have left. Jesus' return? I hope and pray you are ready for this and that you continue to live ready. How do you get ready? A-B-C: A - admit you've sinned. B - believe Jesus died for your sins and rose again. C - commit your life to Jesus Christ.

Camping Trip July 2010

2010-07-09T06:39:00.001-07:00

It's time for the trip up north "To da UP eh?" One thing I have enjoyed over the years is my annual camping trip with one of my kids to the UP of Michigan. This year I get to add another generation to the tradition. Chas, (son), Jhace (grandson) and I will be heading up to St. Ignace. This all started back in 1978 when Candy and I camped in the back of our '76 Datsun pick up truck. A lot has changed since then but the campground we found seems to be locked in a time warp. Not a whole lot different 32 years later. We look forward to a time of fires, outdoor cooking, cooler temperatures and new adventures. We also like to roll down the windows when we cross the Mackinaw Bridge. The cold air makes us laugh as we drive across. I thank God for all the wonderful memories and for the ability and provision to be able to go on these wonderful trips. I hope you have some great things planned that you can give God thanks for too!

July 4th 2010

2010-07-01T08:30:00.001-07:00

Starting the month of July and I'm thinking about one of our family's favorite things to do is go to the fireworks on July 4th. We will be walking in the parade this year handing out nearly 200,000 different items to those watching. Later in the day we will be doing a kids booth at the Middle School building on Wilson. Stop by or look for us in the parade if you are around. Make sure to say hi and most of all have a safe holiday. When you watch the fireworks and go oooh, and aaah, remember one day we will be seeing all that God made and that will be the biggest OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH'S and AAAAAAAAAAHH'S of all!

Summer Vaction 2010

2010-06-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

Some parents look forward to this, some dread it. Either way, here it is, the end of the school year (for most). As a child, some of my fondest memories were during summer vacation. Probably because we got to take trips and see our grandparents who lived out of state. We have a newer tradition in our immediate family concerning the first and last days of school for the year. On those days we go out to have dinner at Russ' restaurant. Something to look forward to (if you like Russ') that feels special because you get to spend time with family. Whatever tradition you may have for the summer - a vacation trip, camping, swimming, camp, etc. I pray that you stay safe and don't take a vacation from God. If you don't have a tradition, think of something that will make a memory for you and your child. You'll be glad you did. Have a good summer!

Food + Dog = Happiness

2010-05-20T12:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever asked your kids to do something and they do it and it brings you such joy? I don't need to ask about the antithesis of that question. I wonder if we think about this in regards to how we respond to our Heavenly Father. Keep that in mind as you read the post to the kids below.

It's been a little bit since I've posted about our new dog "Oggie." An Olde English Bulldog. They say these dogs can be "bullheaded", stubborn and that they need to be taught who's the boss. Oggie is actually quite smart and sadly stubborn. He knows what it means when you say, "House." The problem is that he doesn't want to go in there - unless you give him a treat. He knows what it means when you say, "Come" but He ignores you unless you have some food in your hand. He will do anything for food. I like how God uses things in our everyday lives to teach us about Him. My dog reminds me that I know what is right. I should be willing to do it without a "special treat" because it is the right thing to do. So, remember not to be stubborn like a bulldog, but willing to be quickly obedient when you're asked to do something. It brings joy to those who ask you and mostly, it brings joy to your Heavenly Father. A new formula - Instruction + Obedience = Joy.

Kids Fine Arts - 4/24/10

2010-04-30T08:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we held our 7th Kids Fine Arts Festival here in the State of Michigan. We had over 300 kids come and share their talents which included: drama, human video, singing, puppets, short sermon, visual art, creative writing, instrumental solos, dance, stomp, and more. I have always told kids, "You are not the church of tomorrow, you are the church of today." You may be tomorrow's leaders but God has anointed you to preach the Gospel and share His love today. I was so encouraged to see the gifts God has poured out on kids and for their willingness to grow and develop them. That is what Kids Fine Arts is all about. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it." NLT. As a parent you want to teach your child about the things of God early in life while they are in the formation process. You certainly want them to have a personal relationship with the Living God. Another thing inside this verse of scripture that pertains to your child is the gifts God has put inside of them. Help your child to form those God given talents and abilities from the time they are young. As a parent you see a particular talent or even a character trait. Help them to discover how God can use that for His glory. It's part of the plan and purpose He has for them. I pray God's success and blessing upon you as you "train up" your children.

April Showers - Trust God

2010-04-29T08:06:00.000-07:00

A good reminder for adults as well as kids.

Wow! I was looking at the calendar and there are only two more days left in April. I hadn't posted anything this month so I thought, "I better get one in here." The old rhyme - "April showers bring may flowers" comes to mind. This has been a different April. It started warm and windy which made May's flowers come a little early. Then it got cold and put those flowers and the fruit they turn into in danger. Now the month is ending the way it began, warm and windy. I remember a few showers, but not very many. All of that makes me think about how much we don't know, what we can't control, but the fact that, "I can trust God no matter what." This is one of the things we remind ourselves of every week in Kids First. When things don't go like you think they should remember to trust God. When something challenging or difficult comes your way remember to trust God. If you don't like how things are going, trust God. If you don't have what you think you need, trust God. I think you get the idea here. When we look at God instead of our problems, our problems look a lot smaller. After all - who or what is bigger than God? See you May!

Spring has Sprung

2010-03-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

It officially turned into the Spring season on March 20th. My last post I talked about my kids birthdays. One of them was born on the first day of Spring. I always like to tell her the story of how when she was born, it had been a cloudy, kind of gray icky day but when she was born, the clouds broke up, sun came out and warmed everything up, especially our hearts with our little Spring baby. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for no more snow and for some flowers, even some thunderstorms. Remember, this is the day the Lord has made - rejoice and be glad in it!

Family Birthdays

2010-03-30T11:45:00.000-07:00

Every year in March we celebrate the birth of our children. They were all born in the same week and except for being born two years apart it's kind of like having triplets. I pray that you enjoy the treasure of family that God has given you and that you celebrate each other, not just on birthdays or holidays but on those other special occassion when you are just looking at your kids and feeling blessed and thankful for what God has given you in each other.

Taking a break - Sabbath

2010-02-25T10:10:00.000-08:00

A lot of families take vacations every year. I remember sharing earlier how much I liked going on vacation in the summer when I was growing up. Visiting new places, seeing new things, trying something different. And now, I get to take a vacation and step away from the normal busy schedule. Pastor Candy and I are looking forward to the opportunity to take a break and to go visit my mom in her winter home. The thing is - God knows we need breaks too which is why He gave us the Sabbath. The religious leaders made things more about the Sabbath and obeying rules than they did about God giving it to us for rest. That's what Jesus said - "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." All of that to say, I'm looking forward to a good Sabbath rest. And for you, don't forget to take a break. it refreshes you body, soul and spirit. By the way, they come after you've done your homework and chores, not the other way around.

Oggie the doggie - Eating

2010-02-08T12:08:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't need to eat right? I am amazed at how fast this dog can eat 2 cups of food. I never hear a bite, then a crunch, crunch, crunch. It's more of a snort, gulp, gulp, gulp then the next thing you know, the bowl is empty. One not so nice side affect from his fast eating from time to time is a throw up surprise. Not icky, but looks almost like the food he ate out of the bowl only in a tube form. His eating habits make me think about a couple things. How hungry am I for God? I really do need regular spiritual meals and nourishment. Do I just gulp and snort, or do I take my time and think about what I am reading and letting it digest, getting down into me so it will give me health and strength? Or, does it come up and out as quickly as I try to put it in? Eat regularly, take small bites, chew your food well, both physically and spiritually.

Oggie the Doggie Growing

2010-02-03T10:32:00.001-08:00

When we first got our new puppy he was right around 21 pounds. Two weeks later he had grown to 25.5 lbs. I have no idea how much he weighs today but he is getting huge. It's hard to pick him up and his head and tail stick way out their now. the other thing he wants is to eat all the time. Sounds a lot like being a kid doesn't it. Made me think of how we should all be growing in Jesus and always hungry for his Word. Keep on coming back for "Oggie" updates.

Our new dog "Oggie"

2010-01-26T16:40:00.000-08:00

A little while back I wrote about lessons I learned from my dog Walter. Now we are on an new adventure with a puppy we got on New Years Eve. His name is Ogust (pronounced August) but we call him Oggie for short. He is an English Bulldog. He already weighs 25 and a half pounds and isn't even 4 months old. I think he's going to be big. They say when you get older, you start to look like your pets. Uh oh, I think we got the wrong kind of dog in that case. Really, the older I get, the more I want to look like Jesus. Stay tuned for the new adventures of Oggie the Doggie.

New Year 2010

2010-01-09T12:01:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and a lot of people I talk to are excited about God doing something very special in their lives and on an even larger scale this year. I want to encourage you to prepare yourself for what He wants to do in and through you. Here are five things to help you to prepare your heart and to grow stronger in your faith:
1. God's Word - read it daily
2. Memorize Scripture - read His Word often and hide it in your heart
3. Prayer - talk to God regularly. Don't forget to listen too
4. Faith - build your faith. Know what you believe about God and why
5. Worship - it's not just songs but how you live every day
If you practice these things, it will help you grow stronger in the Lord and prepare the way for Him to move in your life and through your life to touch others. Here comes a great 2010!

Gifts/Giving December 2009

2009-12-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

We have been talking about Compassion in Rush Hour this month. On Sunday 12/13 we talked about gifts and how God gave us the greatest gift ever - Jesus. we followed that up with a question - "What will you give?" This time of year, so many people focus on what they want for Christmas, they miss the opportunity to hear and see what would be a blessing to those around them. I encourage you to follow God's example and give your very best this year. Parents understand the joy of giving more than kids. There is nothing like watching your child when they open a gift that you have prepared just for them. Can you imagine if they decided they didn't even want to open the presents you got for them? Like they couldn't trust you or that you weren't giving them something special. God has gifts for you and I and each and every one of them is good and perfect, coming from our Heavenly Father, the Lord of Glory in whom there is no shadow of turning. What do you think He has for you this year? Don't get so busy or focused on the things of this world that you miss out on what He has prepared for you. May you and your family be truly blessed of the Lord this Christmas.

Things I've learned from my dog

2009-12-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

Kind of a sad note to start off December but some practical life insights I've gleaned from my little Jack Russel terrier. On Thanksgiving evening he decided to go for a walk on his own and in that process, he was hit by a car. His injuries were extensive and he didn't make it through. In this way, he was always more like a cat, living on the edge of risk. When we first brought him home, as a puppy he decided to try out some rat poison - he pulled through that one. Several other close scrapes with vehicles, fights with critters and dogs, falling hard and the list goes on. It got me to thinking. When we live our lives headed in a direction that is contrary to the way we should be going, eventually it will get us. People have their "pet" sins and eventually they grow up and the consequences become irreversible. My little boy like to roam and that was what eventually cost him his life. The look in his eyes seemed like he was trying to tell me, "I'm sorry" and it was heartbreaking but nothing could be done at that point. I'm sure with our "pet sins" there is always remorse but we need to turn from (repent) and head the other direction before consequences take us beyond the point of no return. I loved my little guy and am truly sad. I know God loves us with a perfect love way beyond that. His gift to us of free will, needs to be used wisely. We need to choose obedience, choose love, ultimately - choose life. My thoughts in the kids blog will be more simple than here to you parents so I'll close with this. Are you living the life of the man you want your son to be or your daughter to marry? Are you living the life of a woman you want your daughter to be or for your son to choose for his bride. Parents, we are not perfect that's for sure. God chooses to tell His story of redemption and restoration through our imperfect lives, so let Him help you to choose wisely and become the role model our kids need today.

Thankfulness Nov 09

2009-11-05T12:32:00.000-08:00

As I read through the scriptures I am reminded how powerful and necessary having an attitude of gratitude can be. Most problems for us begin when we have lost our gratitude. our thinking becomes self-focused and we don't even see or recognize the blessing God has placed in our lives. I know I referred to the power of two words - Thank You - back in October but I believe this really bears repeating and more than that practice and application. We need to model this for our kids and even thank them when they are obedient or helpful, share with their little brother or sister or any other ways they express things that are worthy of showing them gratitude. Set the example and tone in your house. If you fill your home with gratitude you'll be amazed at how many other positive things flow in right along with it.

Halloween 2009

2009-10-20T10:25:00.000-07:00

When my kids were growing up, our family didn't celebrate Halloween in the normal sense. It is also my brother's, their Uncle Ted's birthday. We did used to make it a family day and had a lot of fun. it was special for sure and the kids looked forward to it every year. Snacks, videos, crafts and more were part of our day. We have offered for years and alternative to "trick or Treat" called Harvest Fest. We will be having this time of fun again this year at the Xchange from 5:30 - 8:30 pm Saturday, October 31, 2009. You and your family are invited and encouraged to bring a friend along for the festivities.

Thank You Oct 09

2009-10-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

Two of the most powerful words in the English language - THANK YOU. I know how good it makes me fell when someone tells me thank you. that they noticed I worked or tried hard to do something for them. It also reminds me that I need to use those same words to make others feel as good as I do when I here them. Give these two words away as often as you can and you'll be amazed at the power they have to encourage others and make you fell better at the same time. Most of all, remember to say thank you to God for all He has done, is doing and will do for you.

Fall 2009

2009-10-05T11:47:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year. The leaves change color on the trees, temperatures are lower, humidity is down (except when it's raining) and fun is in the air. Jumping in piles of leaves, drinking fresh apple cider, walks outside enjoying the fresh air, what a wonderful season. It reminds me of God's seasons for our lives. Some seasons have to do with our physical age, others have to do with the character God is building in us. Enjoy every season God gives you and thank Him for it. Even if it's hard or difficult remember seasons change. The main thing is that they are ordered of God for His best purpose in your life.

Friends - Sept 09

2009-09-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Sitting in my office thinking about friends today. How important it is to have good, godly friends. That was my exhortation to the kids. Honestly, what motivated my thoughts towards this topic is a friend who is going through some tough times right now. Physically he has been through a lot of challenges. He poured into my life as a young man and helped me out a lot. I visit him from time to time but he seems to be very down. I pray and ask God to touch him. I want to help and encourage him as he poured into me years back. Bottom line, it made me think of the kind of friend Jesus is to us all. The friend who sticks closer than a brother. The friend who was willing to lay His life down for us. The friend who will never leave us or forsake us. I pray and ask God to help me be a Jesus kind of friend to those He has placed in my life.

Back To School 09

2009-09-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

Summer has officially come to an end with the kids getting back to school. I have heard many parents celebrate this moment and the freedom that comes with it. I hear kids bemoan the fact, as I did, because it still feels like summer outside. I want to encourage you as parents to help your kids have the best school year ever. Be involved, ask questions about their day, help them to see how to bring God with them and into the situations they face when you cannot be there. As the sports schedule kicks in, don't forget the church schedule. There are a lot of answers and help to encourage your student to make wise choices that they can receive at church. Those lessons carry over into the classroom and onto the sports field. We're here to partner with you and help in any way we can. Enjoy your new found freedom during the day and pour out into your kids at night.

Prayer - Sept. 09

2009-08-31T09:57:00.000-07:00

One of the most life-changing, powerful things a Christian can do is pray. It always surprises me that people try every other way to take care of something and then say, all I can do now is pray. Really, that's where we should start - with prayer. We have developed a new Kids First Prayer journal to help our students and teachers develop the practice of prayer in their lives. I look forward to seeing and hearing how God is moving in the lives of His people. A prayer request for you as you read this, "God, please send us revival in the lives of our children and staff @Kids First.

Love - Again

2009-08-24T10:51:00.000-07:00

We have been talking about LOVE in Rush Hour this month. Choosing to give someone your time and friendship no matter what. I wrote in an earlier post about the Fruit of the Spirit - Love. Today I was thinking about what we've been learning on Sundays. One of the best explanations I received about LOVE was years ago when I decided I was "In Love with Pastor Candy (not a pastor then) and that i wanted to marry her. The pastor who did our pre-marriage counseling asked me if I loved her. I said of course I do. He then went on to explain to me the difference between Love and like. He told me that we "like" something because it pleases us. When we LOVE someone, we want to please them. I've learned and experienced a lot concerning LOVE since then, remembering this simple thing, Love focuses outward and like focuses inward. I am called to LOVE.

Traveling

2009-08-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Since I was a young boy, I have loved to travel. Family vacations, (mentioned in an earlier post), business, missions trips. I have walked, driven, flown, ridden on the train, taken buses, been on boats and more. I like the adventure of traveling. On a recent trip to California, I had probably the worst experience ever when it comes to flying. Talk about an adventure, yeah right. On the way there, our flight was delayed because of thunderstorms, so we missed our connection to our final destination. We absolutely had to be there and asked about other flights and we were offered no real help at all. We finally made our own arrangements with another airline and had to spend a lot more money to get where we needed to be but PRAISE GOD we made it there in time. On our way home, our flight was again delayed, this time because of mechanical and security issues. We sat in the airport waiting and waiting for 7 hours we waited and once again, because of the delay, we missed our connecting flight home. We were told that we would at least be given a hotel room to spend the night in. When we talked to the people about our room, they said, "NO!" we couldn't have one. After and hour and a half of negotiating, we were finally given a voucher for a hotel room at a "local" hotel for our free room. When we went to leave the airport to get to the hotel, we found out there was no shuttle available. We were told we would need to take a taxi, so I went to check with a driver. "How much will it cost to get to....?" I asked the driver. He told me $55. I asked, "How long will it take to get there?" and he told me a half hour or so. We decided the "free" hotel wasn't really free and ended up sleeping (not really) at the airport for 4-5 hours so we could try and catch an early flight home. With all of the mess, challenges, and frustration, I asked the Lord, "What do you want me to learn from this?" That is key. Letting God take advantage of any and every situation you may find yourself in and work it together for your good. God can reveal Himself to you in many different ways: as provider, as refiner, as strength, or joy, or peace. The delay may even be about helping someone else and have nothing to do with you. This is how we caught our flight to our final destination on the way to CA. There are many things we don't see when we're all upset about how we're being treated and how lousy things are going for us. If we stop and ask God, He will help us to see a bigger picture and how we can even be blessed by less-than-fortunate circumstances. I pray your travels go smoothly!

Clouds

2009-07-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

Some people might think this strange, but I like cloudy days. Too many days of sunshine in a row and I start needing to see some clouds. i also like storms. Not destructive scary storms, but storms with rain, thunder, and lightning, now those are cool. Last week I was talking with my son Chas about the weather. Storms were in the forecast and when we looked at the sky, we bummed because it looked like all the storms were passing us by. We even talked about a verse of scripture (Proverbs 25:14) that talks about clouds and wind that bring no rain. Guess what? It rained and it rained hard. It rained so hard that the stone I used in my landscaping rushed down the driveway, into the street, and down the gutter. Now i have a new project, fixing my landscaping which is another thing people might find strange. I like that too, just not fixing it in the rain though. Hope you are enjoying our nice cool summer so far.

Camping

2009-07-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

A request for you to give your kids a little slack if they have a tendency to be a little different like I was as I was growing up. Ever since I was a kid, I have loved to sleep in tents. Yes, my version of camping is not sleeping at a Holiday Inn or even in a camper. A good ol' tent and sleeping bag. Now that's camping. My first tent was a "Pup Tent" and was barely big enough for two kids, let alone one adult. In the summer, I would pitch this little tent in the yard and sleep out night after night. As I got older, I found the family tent in our shed and asked if I could set it up. it was a big, heavy-duty, canvas, cabin tent that had two rooms. It was tall enough for us to set up bunk bed cots. It smelled of canvas and waterproofing. I would set this tent up and spend weeks at a time out in the back yard. One room I used for a card table so I could work on puzzles and games, the other room was for sleeping. I did a pretty good job of keeping it swept out and clean, and the neighborhood kids would even come over and visit me in my own little house in the back yard. One of my favorite things to do to this day in the summer is go up to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I have had a tradition of taking turns going to St. Ignace with one of my three kids each summer. This year I get to go up with Nycki and her husband Jordan. We pitch a tent, have campfires, and one of the best things, cook our meals outdoors. When I think about camping, it kind of reminds me about what God says about us being sojourners, travelers here on this earth. It is temporary, like living in a tent instead of a house, and one day we will be home, our forever house, with Him in heaven. The place Jesus went to prepare for us. I wouldn't want to live in a tent every day of my life, though I do enjoy going camping. I think God wants us to enjoy our time here on earth, but He is looking forward to us one day, being with Him forever in heaven. Another thing I thought about was in the end of the book of John. Jesus cooking breakfast outdoors. After He had been crucified, buried, and risen from the dead, He was on the beach cooking some fresh fish for His disciples. Nothing tastes as good as food cooked outdoors. Remember to enjoy God's blessings and the special things you get to do here on earth, but don't settle just for that. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus and the home you will one day have with Him in heaven forever. More importantly, helping your kids to know about Jesus and accept Him as their Lord as early as possible in life. That way, they'll be there in heaven with you and that's better than any tent or camping trip could ever be.

Relaxing - Taking It Easy

2009-07-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Summer vacation. I'm just getting back into the swing of things after taking a week off from work. Yup, being a pastor can definitely be work. The bonus is, I love what I do. I'm looking forward to my annual trip up north with my kids. To da UP eh? It's important to take time to relax and enjoy the blessings God has put in your life. It's also more important not to forget Him while you are enjoying those blessings. I know I said it in an earlier blog, but it bears repeating. Take a vacation, but don't take a vacation from God. Remember to pray, read your Bible, and go to worship services. It makes your vacation better when you include God.

Summer Vacation

2009-06-17T10:38:00.000-07:00

Summer is here. Kids are home and pushing the limits. Eating, sleeping, playing. A statement I hear a lot in the Fall is, "Praise God, school is back in!" I must admit I can understand and empathize with those who feel this way but also that it bugs me a bit. Make sure you take time to enjoy having the kids home with you. I am at a point in life that is reflective. Looking back, I realize how fast kids (and now grand kids) grow up. Take time and enjoy them. If you are having behavior challenges, remember that good planning solves 95% of discipline issues, so plan some fun things. Do some "on purpose" activities. When I was in school, summer vacation was my favorite time of year. I would get to see my grandma and grandpa and we would often take a family vacation. I got to see places like Yellowstone National Park and Washington DC. With all of those wonderful experiences, I was still missing something. When I was growing up, the one big thing missing in my life was not knowing who Jesus was and how much He loved me and wanted the best for me. This summer, I want to encourage you to purpose to spend some time with your kids, have fun and enjoy all that God has for your family. Build some memories for them and like I told the kids, "take a summer vacation from school, but don't take a vacation from God!"

The Fruit of The Spirit Recap

2009-06-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

The fruits we have been going over the last few weeks can show up in our lives by our own efforts. The difference in them being from the Holy Spirit is that they all exist together, can be seen regularly, and they are ongoing. Our own human effort and hard work can look good for a while, but we need the Holy Spirit's help to have this fruit in our life regularly and long-term. Be fruitful and multiply - meaning - let God's Spirit do His work in you and lead others to Jesus. These are things we can't do without Him.

SELF CONTROL

2009-06-10T14:27:00.000-07:00

Didn't mean to leave you hanging and waiting for the last of the Fruits of The Spirit - SELF CONTROL. This is one of the most needed things in the lives of people today. Not just people who believe in Jesus, but people in general. Because we are not willing to tell ourselves no, or to wait for something, we create a lot of trouble or challenge that is not necessary. SELF CONTROL in a simple way is what we teach in Rush Hour - "Doing what you should do, not what you want to do" (based on 252 Basics). So next time you want to do or have something, ask yourself the question, "Is this something I should do or have, or just something I want to do or have?" Keep growing and showing that fruit!

GENTLENESS

2009-05-19T11:05:00.001-07:00

GENTLE - courteous, kind, patient, not harsh or rough. That's what the dictionary has to say about GENTLE. GENTLENESS is the action part of being GENTLE and it needs to apply not only to our actions, but also our speech. When the Holy Spirit does His work in us, it will come out in every area, the look on our face, tone of our voice, actions, etc., not just a part but the whole.

FAITHFULNESS

2009-05-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

A big word with a big challenge. I was reading today from 2 Timothy chapter 2 and it talked about when we are unfaithful, God is still faithful because He cannot deny Himself. It is who He is. Faithfulness is being there when you are needed no matter how hard it is for you. Faithfulness is letting others know if you can't keep a commitment by giving them a phone call or texting them to let them know of the change in plans. Faithfulness is being dependable, reliable, and accountable. Faithfulness is needed on the part of employees towards their bosses. It is needed in marriages and to make friendships work. Faithfulness stands by others when no one else does. Faithfulness is more about others than it is about yourself. Faithfulness is about being more like Jesus. Faithfulness is something that our children need to have modeled for them by their parents and leaders. We need God's help and His Spirit to show Faithfulness as we need to. I encourage you to ask God for this as well as all of the fruits of the Spirit in your life.

GOODNESS

2009-05-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

GOODNESS sounds a lot like kindness to me. They are definitely very closely related and also both fruits of the Spirit. Can we be kind without being good? Can we be good without being kind? I think about the person who came to Jesus and called Him "Good Teacher." Jesus told him only God was good. Makes me think about goodness in my life is reflecting God because only He is good. GOODNESS is God-likeness, or godliness. A combination of Being good and doing good. A challenge for us to let others see God in is.

KINDNESS

2009-05-06T16:31:00.000-07:00

How important is it to you that your kids treat each other with kindness?I think as parents, we have the opportunity to set the tone in our homes, to create an atmosphere like no one else can. How are you treating your spouse? How do you talk about your boss or your neighbors. Remember that eyes are watching and ears are listening all the time. There's a saying we have in Kids First, "You can con a Con, You can fool a Fool, but you can't kid a Kid." They have an uncanny ability to see right to the heart of things. We need to make sure we are modeling the behaviors and attitudes we want them to repeat. Not that old rule of "Do as I say, not as I do," but rather, "The Golden Rule" which tells us that we need to teat others the way we want to be treated. It's easy to be nice, or kind to someone when we want or need something from them. It is a lot harder for us to be kind to others when we don't receive it right back. We need the Holy Spirit's help to show kindness to others, especially when we don't think they deserve it. I remember hearing someone say, "it's better to be kind than to be right." It's not about winning an argument, it's about being kind regardless of your need to be right. I pray God helps you as you work to establish Kindness in your home.

PATIENCE

2009-04-23T07:43:00.000-07:00

I can't wait to write about PATIENCE! I can't wait for you to read this! Have you ever said "I can't wait." Most people have, at least once, and kids seem to say it at least once a day (or hour). We do a series in Kids First about PATIENCE and the definition is this: "Waiting until later for what you want now." That can be a hard thing. I want cookies now, but I have to mix the dough, then I have to bake them, then I have to let them cool so I don't burn my tongue. Yes, I could go buy some from the store, but the best cookies are home made, a little warm and served with a nice cold glass of milk. There are many things we want in life: To go somewhere, to get a new bike, to drive a car, to get our own home, and on the list goes. It is important to remember that PATIENCE can be a real blessing. When we have to work for something, save our money to purchase it, we enjoy it even more. I admit, I usually get most impatient when I am waiting to go somewhere. I can even get a little grumpy. If was a little more patient, I would look more like Jesus than when I get grumpy just because I have to wait an extra minute or two (or three or four). So remember, next time you are in a hurry or want something, not to complain, whine, or get grumpy. Ask God to help you wait and to show the fruit of the Holy Spirit - PATIENCE in your life.

PEACE

2009-04-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

How many parents could use PEACE of mind? I think most everyone understands and desires PEACE and the benefits it brings. Many think of the world we live in and the different wars we have fought or are fighting now. PEACE instead of war, that's a nice thought. I'm sure there are family situations or things at work you face that feel anything but peaceful. In the busy world we live in, its constant demands, we find it hard to even relax. A little PEACE and quiet sounds real good. Am I right? The fruit of the Spirit, PEACE, is different. It's not about the absence of war or conflict, it's not about quiet or being left alone. It's not even about everything going so wonderful in your family that there are no fights, arguments, or battles. It is knowing that God is with you and everything will be okay even in the middle of all those things. One of my favorite verses in the Bible talks about PEACE. Philippians 4:6 says to be anxious for nothing. This is one of my "life verses" that I turn to or think about often. The Bible tells us that when we feel anxiety, we should pray and let God know about it, even being thankful. One of the things we teach kids every week is that they can trust God no matter what. That helps me understand how to be thankful even in the middle of those things that want to rob me of my PEACE. Then He tells us that His PEACE that goes beyond our ability to understand, will guard our hearts and minds. Jesus says He gives us PEACE that the world cannot. So the next time you feel anxious, pray and thank God and He will give you what you need most, PEACE.

JOY

2009-04-06T11:25:00.001-07:00

Joy - not just being happy or feeling good, JOY. Did you know you can have JOY even when things don't seem to be going your way? One of the pieces of our Christian Armor is the Helmet of Salvation. In Psalm 51 David talks to God about not taking from him the Joy of his Salvation. Joy, knowing you belong to God through Jesus, can protect your mind. It helps you to think right. Here's another thing to think about. The Joy of the Lord is our strength. We can have joy from God that gives us strength to walk through times when things seem to be falling apart or not going our way. The key to this is being in a relationship with God, knowing He is on your side, working all things together for your good. Now that is something worth smiling about! It bring me JOY!

LOVE

2009-03-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

First on the list of the Fruit of the Spirit is "love." So much that could be said, so little space. One of the best descriptions ever written about love was by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians chapter 13 and is often heard at weddings. The end of that chapter talks about three things remaining. Faith, hope, and love, the greatest of these being love. Man longs for love which is evidenced by the fact that so many songs have been written on the subject of love. Searching for, looking for, longing for, always hoping for love, never truly finding it outside of God. It is how people will know we love Jesus, by how we love one another. It is a command. It covers a multitude of sin. Perfect love casts out all fear. It is so powerful it moved God from heaven to earth. Love gives. Love is a choice. Ultimately, God is love.

No Law

2009-03-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes people think they would like to live with "No Rules." Can you imagine playing a game where there were no rules? How would you know you were winning? How would you know if you were losing? What if Speed limits weren't posted and you got pulled over for doing 35 mph because the policeman said that today the speed limit was only 5 MPH on this street. Frustrating? Absolutely! Rules help things stay focused and on track. In a word, orderly. There is one thing I was thinking that goes with the title of this blog, "No Law." It refers to the Fruit of the Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. Against such things there is "no law." Not a lack of rules, these things fit inside any rule that exists. Over the next several blog entries, we'll be talking about these fruits. Have a great day!

Breaking the Law

2009-03-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been driving down the road, not paying attention to the speedometer and all of a sudden you see a policeman clocking traffic with a radar? Your heart starts beating faster, you get nervous, there's a funny feeling in your stomach. You look down and you're speeding. You check the rear view mirror to see if he pulls out to address this situation with you. When we know we're obeying the law, we see a policeman and we don't get all nervous. The Holy Spirit is a great policeman in our lives. He sets up on the road and when we see Him, He helps us regain our focus and gets us back on track. The Bible says the laws of God are written on the tablets of our hearts. When we aren't being obedient, we not only know it, we can feel it. Now concerning God's Laws, the Bible tells us if we break one, we've broken them all, we're guilty of breaking every law. The Bible also tells us that everyone of is already guilty, no matter how good we think we've been. There is only one way to get back in right standing with God, to have that feeling in the pit of your stomach removed. His name is Jesus and He paid the price for all of us "lawbreakers." When we come to God asking for forgiveness through Jesus work on the cross, confessing our sins, the Bible tells us He forgives us. Not only that, He removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west. Wow, I feel better already. Thank you Jesus for freeing me from my guilt!

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?

2009-03-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

I will include my thoughts to the kids below. Sometimes as parents, we can get the feeling that raising godly kids in today's world is an impossible mission. Remember what I noted to the kids below. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. Don't give up on the task, ask God for his help. Here's my thoughts for the kids: I have been thinking a lot about the word MISSION and exactly what in means to people who believe in and follow Jesus. A mission is a job with a specific purpose. When i was growing up there was a show on TV called Mission Impossible. Recently there have been some movies made with the same title. I am not recommending the movies, but I do think about being asked to do something that seems impossible. God has given us a CO - MISSION. To go into all the world and preach the "Good News" about Jesus. To make disciples. Sometimes that might seem impossible for us. I mean, who am I that anyone would listen to what I have to say. This is the way God designed it to work though. The one thing about the CO - mission is that God is our partner. where our ability ends, God's does not. he even tells us that we CAN DO ALL THINGS through Christ, so that really makes it more of a MISSION POSSIBLE or to get a little silly, a MISSION HIM POSSIBLE. Be faithful to share the Good News and God will be faithful to touch the people by His Holy Spirit. This message will not self destruct in 10 seconds.

Number Three

2009-03-11T13:03:00.001-07:00

I was looking at my last post and it made me think of something very simple, yet very profound. A man that I went on a missions trip with carries around ink pens he gives away. I found this out when I needed to borrow a pen, so he gave me one. On his pen it read, "I'm Third." After that the words, "God First, Others Second, I'm Third." What a great way to think and live. Instead of being selfish and thinking only about me, I remember that what God wants comes first, then I need to treat others the way I would want to be treated, others second, then finally, I come in last. People thinking and living like that could really change the world.

Number One

2009-02-25T13:35:00.000-08:00

When I got up the other day, I immediately started thinking about all that needed to be done that day, planning a course of action. I picked up a book I had been reading the night before. A book about ministry that has been both challenging and inspiring. As I was going about this routine, I felt the Holy Spirit speak to me. It caused me to stop and reflect. What's the first thing you think about when you wake up? What's the first thing you do? It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of this life yet God waits patiently, desiring that we come to Him, not demanding, but waiting. Sometimes I get it right, I think about God, I read His word, I pray, I connect and commune with Him. What is number one in your life? Our actions show clearly what or who we think is most important. Often it ends up being me. Forgive me and help me Lord I pray. Remember to put God first in your thoughts and actions, don't just say God is number one, show He is.

You're Not The Boss of Me

2009-02-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

When we become adults, we enter the land of being responsible for our own decisions and actions. No more big brother or big sister or mom and dad to boss us around and tell us what to do. When we are blessed with children, we are also responsible for helping them to develop the right attitudes and behaviors towards those in charge of them. For example, we ask them to do something and we expect them to follow up by doing it. Simple, right? As parents though, we don't always think about who is in charge of us and the example we are to our kids in the area of submission and accountability, following instructions. Do you ever come home from work complaining about the boss or co-workers? Do you ever talk about "stupid" laws, or disagree with people in places of authority in a disrespectful way? I was reading in Exodus 16 and 17 this week about the people of Israel and their complaining about Moses and Aaron and how things were going. Moses pointed out to them that their complaints were really against the Lord and not him. Actually, several times in those two chapters. The next time you're having a challenge with your child(ren) make sure that you're setting a good example for them. Remember that God changes us from the inside out. As I encouraged the kids in their blog, ask God to help you have a good attitude and to follow instructions like He was the one giving them to you.

How Good Are You?

2009-02-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

A lot of people believe that God is good. They believe that heaven is a good place. they also believe that all good people will go to heaven. It just makes sense right? Is that how you think? Most every person believes they are good, but they just don't really know if they've been good enough to get into heaven. God tells us through His Word of a different perspective. There was a thief dying on the cross for His sins. Not a "good" person. He was a criminal that the law said deserved to die for his crimes. When he asked Jesus to remember him, Jesus told him he would be with Him in paradise, interesting. He didn't have time to become good enough to get into heaven. What he did do was ask for forgiveness and Jesus did just that. Remember it's not "good" people who make it to heaven, it's "forgiven" people. That takes the guess work and worry about being good enough out of the picture. God doesn't make it hard. He doesn't leave us wondering if we will make it or not. Put your trust in Jesus, not in yourself. If you have never done that, remember it's as easy as A-B-C. A - Admit you've sinned. B - Believe Jesus died for your sins and rose again, then finally C - Commit your life to Jesus Christ. Simply pray an ABC prayer and ask God for His help to live for Him. So easy a child can do it.

"That's Not Fair!"

2009-02-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've probably heard this more than one in your career as a parent. You may have even said this as a kid yourself. In February, we're talking to kids about "fairness" and how it's more of an issue of respect, than what I get or don't get. Think about it, usually people say, "that's not fair" because things aren't going the way they want them to go. I'm glad God is not fair. Really! He is righteous, just, loving, but not fair (at least how we think about it). If we got what we deserved, what was "fair," we wouldn't be in heaven with Him forever because it wasn't "fair" for Jesus to have to die on the cross for my (our) sin. So next time your kids say "that's not fair" or you think about FAIR, remember God's perspective and thank Him for loving us instead of being fair. Have a great week!!!

The Last Week of the First month of 2009

2009-01-26T09:03:00.000-08:00

I was thinking today about the New Year and here we are, in the last week of the first month of this New Year. Wow time goes fast. I hope things are still feeling new and fresh for you in 2009. Some of my favorite scriptures about new are: "old things have passed away, I make all things NEW," "His mercies are NEW every morning," and "If anyone is in Christ he is a NEW creation." I am so thankful we serve a God who is constantly making things NEW for us. If you need a fresh new outlook, work, finances, relationships, mercy, maybe even a brand new life in Jesus, God can help. Give us a call or drop us a line if we can pray for you or help out in any way.

A New President

2009-01-20T12:37:00.000-08:00

This week our church is praying for our local, state, and national governmental leaders. Today with the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States, Barak Hussein Obama, we need to follow Paul's exhortation to Timothy in 1 Timothy 2:2....... to pray for all who are in authority over us so we can live godly, peaceful lives. Make sure you take time to pray with your children for our new president. For born again, Spirit-filled people to be strategically placed in His path speaking words of truth. That he would be surrounded by wise and godly counsel, that his heart would be soft, pliable and in God's hands, and that God will bless, keep, and lead him in the days ahead.

12 - Prayer

2009-01-12T09:14:00.000-08:00

We find ourselves in a season of prayer here at GR First. Setting aside the first 12 weeks of the year to represent the 12 months of 2009. We are asking God for great things. One of the big ones, and it has to be a "God Thing" is for revival in our children and their families. That they will have a passion for Jesus and a burden for their lost friends and family. I have also had an idea to put together a prayer journal for kids, something simple and easy to use. Keep your eyes open for the journal in the near future. We count it a privilege to minister to your children and are praying for you and your family to experience the fulness of God in 2009.

2009-01-05T11:21:00.001-08:00

2009 - A New Year. There are a lot of times when I enter a new year, that God gives me a word or focus for the year. As I was praying and thinking about 2009, the word "DESTINY" struck me. Where am I going? Where are you going? What is my destiny? What is your destiny? It is my desire that this coming year will see many kids and their families secure their eternal destiny in Christ. that they will come to understand more and more what God has done for them and in turn have a burden to share with and pray for their friends along these very same lines. As I exhorted the kids, make sure you are trusting Jesus with your eternal destiny and that you are putting God in the very center of all you do in 2009!

First Blog!

2008-10-08T11:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the grkidsfirst website. It is my goal that this will be a resource for you and your family. In this world of multi-media, it's nice to know there are healthy and safe sites for your kids to visit and interact with. The Children's Ministry team is here to help support, equip, and encourage parents as you raise your children to know and live for God. Please contact us through the website if there are any questions or challenges you are facing that we can help out with. Look here for words of encouragement, scriptures, and parenting tips to help you on this adventure called "Family." We hold you and your children in our prayers.