1st Wednesday

This week at our 1st Wednesday worship service, Pastor Troy challenged us to not only trust him with the vision God has given Flamingo Road, but also to be a "Aaron" and "Hur", supporting him as he lifts God's vision up before us, or to be a "Joshua" out in the battlefield, leading the troops. Being the Children's Pastor, I thought about how that relates to our ministry serving kids and families.

• God's vision that Pastor Troy is holding before us is relevant and pertinent to FRC Kids Ministry: Partnering with parents to help our kids reach their God-potential at 50 campuses! This will take a lot of people and a lot or resources!


• As Children's Pastor it is my job to help him keep God's vision lifted high so that we will not be distracted for what we are called to do, ensuring that the battle is fought strategically, effectively and with relevance.


• Our children's ministry staff and key volunteers are our "Joshua's" leading the troops on the battle fields.


• Our lagoon teams, small group teams, tech teams, teaching teams and weekday volunteer teams are our troops waging battle for the lives and souls of kids and families

We have the strategy and battlefield in place. One of the greatest things we are missing are the warriors...the soldiers who have a passion to go to battle for God and for families. As kids are reached, families are impacted and lives are changed. What does it take to be a warrior in the children's ministry? What is required to reach kids for Christ?

• A heart for God and a willingness to go to battle for Him by building relationships with kids and helping them move into a relationship with Him.


• A willingness to sacrifice a little bit of time during the week preparing for battle by reading the Bible and reviewing the weekly lesson plan.


• Committing about 1 1/2 hours on the weekend to serve in one of our worship services.


• A commitment to be consistant -- the battle for our kids is not a occasional or convenient fight -- it happens every day! So we pray everyday and show up every weekend on the battlefield called FRC Kids Worship!


• A desire to love on kids ... no matter what!

What is NOT required to be a warrior for kids?

• A degree in Bible knowledge -- you'll learn right along with the kids!
  
• Hours of prep getting teaching supplies and resources -- we provide everything you need!
  
• Having kids yourself -- parents are very needed and very much welcome, but so are those who do not have kids yet!


• A PhD in childhood development -- we have trained leaders who will help you learn how to work with kids!

We need "Joshua's" and we need warriors ... anyone out there willing to accept the call?

Graditude

We celebrated Josh's 15th birthday this last month -- literally all month long! Josh injured his left knee just before his birthday and was on crutches for about 3 weeks, which meant he could not have the action-packed birthday party for which he had hoped. So we pretty much celebrated his birthday all month long, having TWO gatherings in his honor! The picture you see here is of him and his brother enjoying his FIRST cake! Happy 15th, Josh! Can't believe my baby's growing up into such an awesome young man! I love you, buddy!

I always learn so much about myself and my relationship with my heavenly Father through the relationship with my kids! One of the things I have really been pondering this last month is the virtue of graditude. This is not a virtue that occupies my thoughts that often, not because I don't appreciate things, but because I am a task-oriented person and have a tendancy to simply move from one task to the other, not taking time to celebrate or reflect. What brought it to my attention was what I felt appeared as a lack of appreciate from my 15th year old in regards to the effort Randy and I put into making sure he had a good birthday despite the fact that he couldn't go skateboarding or paintballing with his friends. I was really feeling taken for granted, until God helped me realize I act the same way towards Him -- A LOT! He has given me so much that I simply take for granted. So, as a means of repentance and reflection, here are some things I want to stop taking for granted and want to celebrate with graditude to The One who provides so generously:

1. A body that functions really well -- THANK YOU GOD FOR MY HEALTH! Forgive me for not taking better care of it!



2. A husband who has been and continues to be committed to me and his family even through tough times and many disappointments -- I love you Randy! Forgive me for taking you for granted!



3. Two very healthy boys who, despite driving my crazy on many days, bring me such great joy and hope! Josh -- you amaze me! Nick -- you are such a pleasure! I love you both more than you can know!



4. A "soul sister" and BFF who has shared more times of joy and tears than I can recall ... as well as some really good times of laughter -- Lisa, I appreciate you so much!



5. A sister who, inspite of living about 1000+ miles away, stays in touch and accepts me just the way I am! Love you Ruth!



6. In-laws who have taken me in and accepted me as their own -- I love you Mom, Bill and Sonya!



7. A church family and staff, who has given me not only a place to invest my life, but has provided me the opportunity to pursue God's calling on my life -- I appreicate your faith in me!



8. All of our incredible volunteers in our Kids ministry who work so hard right alongside me and who are willing to do whatever it takes -- YOU ALL AMAZE ME WITH YOUR SACRAFICIAL SERVICE! God's blessing to you all! Remember you are making a KINGDOM DIFFERENCE in the lives of His kids each week ... stay the course!



9. An incredible Children's Ministry Staff -- I'm so glad God has joined us together to run after His kids! I appreciate you all!



10. Families who need God, who want God, and who are looking to the church to fill an incredible void in their lives that can only be filled by God! Help us keep pushing on for YOU, God, and for THEM!

Father, thank you so much! I appreciate and love You! -- Your GRATEFUL child, Charlotte.