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