Up Up and Away…. June 10, 2009

Last week we took my son Noah and his friends to see “UP” , the new movie out by Pixar for his birthday. It was a great movie. First of all, for a free spirit like myself – the whole premise of having a million helium balloons pick me up and fly me around the world, and drop me by a beautiful waterfall is quite captivating. (well, despite the fact that I am afraid of heights)

I thought that beyond the humour and fun, that the movie had a great message. The main character – a senior citizen named Carl, lived his whole life with his wife always dreaming and planning for the future – but they never quite got to see that dream come true (living beside the waterfall) When she dies, he feels like he has to live that dream for her, the dream she never got to see - so he sets off on a great adventure – flying his house away with all the balloons. This premise in the movie spoke to me about being active in our dreaming. That we can’t just sit around and wait for life to happen, for our dreams to fall in our lap  - we have to take steps of faith and action to see those things accomplished in our lives – personal things, and God things.

The twist of the movie though was that after Carl set off on this great quest he then found his wife’s book of adventure and realized that even though they did not see their BIG dream realized, she had chronicled all of their lives and to her  – their life together had become the dream – and she had been happy and satisfied. This gave Carl peace! This showed me that sometimes we don’t always realize what we have. And even in the everyday daily parts of our lives that sometimes we think are so mundane and ordinary – that really, we will look back and realize that those things are truly the extrodinary parts of our life.

Taking our kids to the park. Spending time with friends. Being up all night with a crying baby. Serving people who are in need. Teaching our children about God. Volunteering in the community. Showing kindness to our neighbours. Performing simple acts of kindness. Bandaging up a scraped knee. Listening to our children read to us at bedtime.

Simple things, that maybe we don’t think amount to much. But I think that when you combine them all – you can come up with a life of greatness. I know in my own life, I am a big dreamer – but God has been showing me that although the big dreams are fine – when I am at right now in my life as a child of God, a wife, a mom, a friend, a pastor – that is what is truly important. And all the big dreams in the world will mean nothing if I don’t give attention to the things in my life that really matter.

I go back to Jeremiah 29:11 – my life verse. And I trust and know that God’s plans for me (not my own plans) are good, and HE knows them - and that gives me peace. That can give us all peace – and allow us to be content right where we are!

Shelly

Family Serve May 25, 2009

On Saturday morning, we had 4 families that met at Sew on Fire (www.sewonfire.com) to spend a morning serving. It was very touching to me, as I watched everyone get right on board. As a mom of 2 kids, who live in a society that is largely based on what we want and think we need, I really want my kids to know that there is a bigger world out there – and that they can help impact that world. A world with people that have needs we never have had to face. Sew on Fire is a ministry that is meeting such needs all over the world. They sew up these great backpack bags and send them with mission teams to bless children, women and men.  They also do layette’s for newborns and packs for the homeless (and many other projects as well). Their warehouse is right here in Burlington and it was exciting to here how this ministry grew from the home of Wendy Hagar, into this warehouse that is sending care packs all over the world. I was reminded that when we are obediant, the sky is the limit with what God can do in our lives!

Our oldest “kid server” on Sat was 11, the youngest was 2! All the children worked together in a large assembly line and packed candy bags that go in the backpacks. They were so proud of their work and that they were helping. One of them was sure that they had a least made up 1000 bags that morning! I also loved they we all did it together as families – it was really fun and good fellowship time! On the way home, my kids asked when we could go back again and help. Mission accomplished! Kids can serve, and I believe it has potential to change their lives. They just need opportunity!

We definitely will be going back to support and help this ministry, and I will be planning some other Family Serve days over the summer.  Let’s be families in action! Serving together and making a difference in our world!

Blessings

Shelly

Favourite Moments. May 11, 2009

I trust that everyone had a wonderful mother’s day yesterday. The favourite moment of my day was listening to my kids make me “breakfast” in bed. (and I use the term breakfast very loosly).  I heard Noah say to Hannah, “Hannah, mom does NOT want to eat chocolate pudding for breakfast!” It made me smile. I am blessed with a wonderful family and so thankful for my children, and my own great mom. God has been good to me!

Another thing made me smile yesterday too (days with lots of smiles are good).  A mom told me that her daughter and her friend were having a playday, and she could hear them playing in the other room. They were pretending to be at church and one was teaching the other about the 10 commandments, and the lesson we had just done on not making idols for yourself. That made me SOOO happy to think that what we had been doing at church, had been brought home in a positive way and that the girls were thinking about what they learned on Sunday! From church to home – that is what it is all about! Sunday learning, becoming weekly living and growing. That is what will make our families strong for Jesus.

So, those were 2 great Sunday moments. It’s only Monday, so I am hoping there are more to come this week! In fact I am praying for some special surprise God moments for all of us this week – those are the best kind!

Have a super day!

Blessings

Shelly

Seasons May 4, 2009

Today I feel like summer is almost here, that I can breathe in the air and not be afraid that it might snow again. My first summer indicator was that I was at my parent’s cottage today and I was so happy to think that SOON it would be cottage time. I could smell the summer smell! I almost wheelbarrowed myself  into the river, but I didn’t even care, I was just so happy to be outside! My second summer indicator was not so fun. Over the weekend, I did the task that all womankind dread – the changing of the closets for a new season. (ok, maybe some men do this too….I don’t want to be presumptuous).  It seems like over the winter, things just stack up – and it feels SO good to get things cleaned out and ready for a new season. Bye bye boots, hello flip flops that I adore. See ya later sweaters, hello shorts!  It’s a good feeling, I’m not gonna lie!

I love seasons, because each one brings a new thing. A new time, a new focus, new exciting opportunities and challenges. Time even to look back and “clean out” if you will, things that we don’t need, and focus on what is fresh and exciting for what is ahead.

I am astounded to think that I am almost finishing up my first year here at Compass Point. Where has the time gone? It’s significant to me, to complete a first year of something – to go through all the seasons – especially in ministry. I am glad that I am coming up upon that completed year cycle. That I have have been able to learn, grow and connect with the church through the different seasons. It’s had it’s high moments, and it’s low ones (mostly high ) - like any seasons that we go through.  I am happy to say that I am coming out of it feeling incredibly blessed and assured that God is directing our children’s ministry, that he is directing me and that we move ahead with confidence in whatever he has for the future!

I am excited about this summer – we are doing 3 children’s outreach programs – one at each campus. That is very important to us as we try to grow our ministries in our various communities. We will be doing SUMMER SLAM VBS at both our Kerns and Ellis campus - this year our theme is Godrocks! Starlight Rescue – A Galactic Adventure in God! We also will be hosting a Sports Camp at our Eaglesfield Campus. Exciting times as we have opportunities to connect with children and families in our community. The summer season gives us a great outlet to share Jesus! Look also for some Family Connect events, just some time to hang out and get to know each other and build relationship – that is important as well, as we grow together.

One thing that always reassures me, no matter what season I am in personally, or ministry wise – is that Jesus remains our strength through all our seasons of life. While things around us may change, he is our constant. Our rock. Our Fortress, in HIM we can trust and in HIM we get our strength. I can face anything as long as I have Jesus by my side. My steadfast in all the seasons!

Spring Cleaned Shelly

Little thoughts of this and that…. April 22, 2009

So, I kinda have been having writer’s blog block the last couple weeks, evidenced by my lack of blogging activity. Which I don’t like – because blogs need to be updated all the time – or what is the point? So really, I start this blog not even sure where I am heading with it. But that’s ok. I’ll get inspired as I go along!

I have lots of things running through my mind. I was thinking about the Boyz Bash this past weekend – and how great it was to bring all those boys and their budz together – mostly dads and grandpas. It was so fun to look out over the field at Eaglesfield and see them all working together. And I loved hearing the squeals as the reptile man would pull out one slimy creature after another! (I was WAYYYY in the back for that)

Then I started to think that I have almost been here for a year at CP. And I thought about how much I love this church body, the people that I work with (they rock my world), and the amazing children and families and leaders that I get to serve. I am so blessed.  God has been good to me, to all of us this past year. I love to look back and see how my paths has been directed and how I am RIGHT where he wants me to be.

Then I think about the summer.  And the Summer Slam programs we are putting in place – and the great opportunties that we have to spread the word of Jesus. That makes me happy!  That is exciting to me!  That is what we were all created to do – share the love of Jesus. And I am thankful for the freedom and the ability we have to do that.

In the midst of all that – is my own life. My family. My friends. My dreams. God’s purpose for my life. I guess when you put all those things together it can seem like a whole lot of thoughts, and a whole lots of gears in a wheel. And it is. And sometime it overwhelms. And sometimes, I lose sight of the core reason why I do what I do. Why we do what we do. Why we are here. Then I call out to Jesus. And I ask him to continually be a presence in my life that guides and directs me in each step. I pray that I never lose sight of his plan and purpose and that I never stop hearing his still small voice.  It’s kinda of become the phrase that has guided me this year. Jesus – it’s all about him. If he is not in it, I don’t want to do it.

So those are my thoughts. They don’t really connect. But sometimes that is ok!!

Have a super blessed day!

sc

Big Idea!!! April 7, 2009

Happy Easter week. I love Easter. Not just because of the endless supply of jelly beans available to me (yeah, I am eating some right now). Easter is such a special time to really focus on the sacrifice made to us by Jesus on the cross, and to celebrate his resurrection and the promise of salvation that is ours to receive. I am grateful that Jesus has saved me, and that because of him, I live each day with purpose and with assurance that he is guiding my life. What a great God we serve! I would be lost without my Saviour.

This Sunday we are kicking off our “Big Idea” here at Compass Point. I am really excited about it. Everyone from children to adults will be doing a 10 week series on the 10 commandments. This is going to be a really great time for families to be growing together as they learn and study the same concepts each week. Right now we are plastering the children’s levels with Giant 10’s! It’s going to be fun! (it also slightly looks like we think we are great, because we have 10’s everywhere…we are not being vain….really!)

Anyway, hope you can join us in our study. I also pray that you and your family have a blessed Easter weekend!

Celebrate Jesus, it’s all about him!

Shelly

Extreme Heart Makeover March 24, 2009

Every Sunday night our family makes some popcorn and we watch Extreme Home Makeover. It’s a great family show, and we really love it. I must say though, that by the time it is over – I am usually an emotional wreck. There are times that I am almost SOBBING.  My family makes fun of me, but I just can’t help it. (Sometimes I think – why do I watch a show that makes me bawl…..but it is GOOD to cry sometimes!)

Every week I am struck by these amazing stories of people that are making a change in their world. Huge massive changes. One week there was a lady who recognized that there were children starving just over the border in Mexico – so she started a feeding program – feeding 1000 kids a week. Making the food herself in her small kitchen. Giving her own furniture away. This week there was a little girl who has a rare blood disease, and instead of becoming a victim – she has become an ambassador for the Red Cross – campaigning for blood donations across the United States. Week after week, stories of ordinary people – doing incredible things. It really inspires me, and sometimes it also makes me feel like there is so much more that I could be doing in my life. I am so blessed. I have a home, I have food on the table, I have healthy children – so many things to be thankful for. But I don’t want to take that for granted. I want to be aware of the world around me, needs that are in my own little community. Lives that need to be touched by the love of Jesus through simple actions that show love.

I am praying that God will give me eyes to see needs. I am so encouraged by the array of ministries here at CP that are uniquely meeting needs in our community. I think it’s very exciting. I think it’s where God wants us to be.  I want our children’s ministry to catch that vision as well. I want our kids to catch that vision. Look soon for some FAMILY SERVE initiatives that will provide opportunities for children and families to begin serving together. Let’s allow our eyes to be open. I love that we have beautiful buildings, with many resources and fun programs. But it has always been my heart to not just do ministry inside our church walls. Walls can be confining and limiting. Walls can box us in and create a barrier between us and the outside world.  It’s beyond these walls that we need to go. Where we need to pray and ask God to direct us. Where we can be world changers. I know it sounds lofty. But Jesus gave us a great commission. I think he meant it!

I’m praying for an extreme heart makeover in my own life. I’m not satisfied to just go on, business as usual. I want a little messy in my life.  I want to be stretched. I want to be used. I know it’s not all about me, it’s about Jesus. It’s about sharing his love. It’s about seeing Extreme Heart Makeovers all around us.

sc

A mouth to speak kind words March 16, 2009

I have been thinking about words today.  I know that sounds a little strange. But I do love words. One of my collegues here at CP (his name rhymes with rug…) manages to occasionally slip a word into an email of which I have NO idea what it means. It drives me crazy because I thought I was pretty word savvy before I started working here. But I seriously have learned 4 new words. Words I never even knew existed.  My favourite one is effulgent.  It is actually what I want to be.  My new goal (I’m not telling you what it means, you have to look it up yourself)

There is so much power in the spoken word. A few weeks ago at our midweek program, we did an exercise at one of our stations that involved the children each getting a piece of paper with their name on it. Other children then had to write kind words about them on their papers. It was very interesting for me to observe that the younger group just LOVED this activity. It was so cute. I heard things like, “You are SO pretty, You are great at drawing, You have lovely sparkly teeth, I think you are the nicest girl I know, You have the best red hair!”. My heart was warmed as I heard these young ones speaking words of life into each other, and the ones receiving the praise would beam – it’s NICE to hear things that are positive about yourself! It feels good!

Then we switched groups. It was like night and day. My older class sat there very ackwardly. They did not know what to do. It was a struggle to participate and they needed TONS of encouragement on how to encourage. It was a little painful for me to see that it was hard for them to speak kindly to one another. It took effort. There was more pressure. It did not come as easy.

I wondered why that was. I wondered what changed in those couple years of age difference.  I wondered to myself why is it harder to speak words of life as we get older. Maybe our life experiences catch up to us. We are more aware of rejection, we’ve been hurt, we don’t know how people will react. Sometimes we hear so many words that are negative that we struggle when we have to be positive. I think that in the word around us, more often we hear words spoken that hurt rather than heal.

When my son was little, we would pray a special prayer each day before I’d bring him to school. I’d pray that God would give him ears to listen, eyes to see how to be a good friend, and a mouth to speak kind words. I wanted him to be aware that people around him needed encouragement and that he could do that – he could listen, he could be good to others and he could also SPEAK with kindness.  Now that he is older, I still pray that with him and his sister. I want my children to be speakers of life,  in a world where often they unfortunately hear things that I can’t always control.  That is my prayer too for our CP Kidz. They can learn to be speakers of life. I know many of them already are.  Why can’t our children show the love of Jesus through the way they speak to others – they can!  I love Proverbs 16:24. It says, “Pleasant words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” I love to think that word can bring healing. It’s like a sweet medicine, a balm. Repairing and mending.

As I continue my quest for words, I pray that God will allow me to use each day the words I do know to speak his love to others.

sc

Princess March 3, 2009

This past Saturday, Compass Point Kidz hosted our first Princess Tea! What a special day we had. I am a little bit of a princess fanatic. I love frilly pink prettiness and dressing up, and sparkles – all of that stuff. So this day was extra fun for me! Beyond all the sparkle, there was an intentional purpose to the day. We wanted to make our little girls feel special, and we wanted them to be treated like royalty. Some may think encouraging little girls in this way is silly, but as a girl who struggled for many years with self image, and the true meaning of beauty – I think that telling our girls that they are beautiful and loved is a positive thing. I believe that words of life were spoken into their young lives, and my prayer is that in their hearts was also planted a seed that will grow and that they will remember how loved they are by Jesus – their Heavenly Father. He is referred to as the “King of Kings” in the Bible. So really, as his children, as his “daughters” – we really can call ourselves princesses!  The media that our children are exposed to has distored beauty and what that means, many young girls look at that and judge themselves accordingly. I trust that our celebration, made them realize that they are special just the way they are, and that the beauty of the heart is also of great value, and part of being a true princess.  

Thanks to everyone who helped make this event amazing! It was a day I won’t soon forget! Now, off to plan the Boyz Bash….from princesses to lizards……yikes….

Shelly

P.S. To check out some pics and a video from this event, go to www.shellycalcagno.com/Princess_Tea

Jesus “builded” my house February 9, 2009

Yesterday I had the pleasure to teach a class of 3 year olds. Is there anything more exciting than being 3? I think not! We were talking about prayer and why we pray. Then, I had all the children go around the circle and say a prayer of thanks for something that Jesus had done for them. It was so sweet. I love simple childlike faith. One little girl said she was thankful for her home, and that Jesus, “builded her house.” Then all the other children were very quick to agree! “Jesus builded my house too”, “And mine, it was builded by Jesus!”. At that precious age – that was the thought connection. Jesus provides for us = therefore he built my house!!!!!! I can just see it in their minds – Jesus actually with a hammer putting their house together. I love it! I love that they had an understanding that in their little lives, Jesus had provided for them and that they had a home to live in.

It reminded me that littles ones have such a unique and open understanding to Jesus. I love that we can be part of shaping that understanding. It’s never to early to be imparting Jesus to our children. As parents, we have such an opportunity in those early years to be part of building our children’s faith. Their little “sponge” minds are eager to learn, and the message and truths of Jesus will be planted in their lives for the years to come. As a church, we have a great opportunity to partner with families and work together to see our children come into a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s a great calling indeed.

I was thankful when I got home yesterday. Jesus has “builded” my house too!

Shelly