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Strategies for Separation Anxiety

Little Ones, Parents, Preschool No Responses »

Mar 212013

It happens every day in Crossing Kids: a mama or dad hands a kiddo over our door and they sob inconsolably. I’m not a parent yet, but I know this is a tricky and trying situation for any family facing it. So today, at the recommendation of some mama friends, I thought I’d pass on some ideas for handling separation anxiety. So, here are 5 tips for dropping off little ones in Crossing Kids:

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1. Be Consistent

*We all know kids thrive on routine. One of the best indicators as to whether a kid will struggle is if they aren’t used to church. Even the most easygoing toddler gets thrown off when life isn’t like they expect it to be. So if at all possible, come to church every week. Even better: come to the same service. They’ll be used to the time and, even more importantly, the volunteers. Once Crossing Kids becomes a regular part of their routine, they’ll be more likely to settle in quickly.

2. Give the Volunteer Every Tip They Can Get

*If your child has a lovey, passie, or special pair of PJs in their bag, let their volunteer know. Sometimes a comforting item can make all the difference. We’ve had kids who wear their backpack the whole hour or refuse to take off their knight’s helmet. Totally fine with us! It’s much easier for us if we know what to try. Other hints include telling us if Lula loves snack or singing or if she really only calms down when facing out. Does she like to settle down on her own or will a stroller ride with a volunteer do the trick? Letting your volunteers know will make everyone more at ease.

3. Set a Specific Time to Call

*Each child and each family is different. Some parents are ok with children crying it out for a service and others only want to give a small window of time. We’ll take your cues on this one, so if you want to make sure you get called at a specific time, give a time at drop off. For instance, if you want Ben to have ten minutes to try to settle down and you drop him off at 9:26, tell that volunteer to check at 9:36 and call if he’s still crying. The majority of the time, Ben is perfectly settled at 9:27. But if he isn’t, giving a specific time to the volunteers will take the guesswork out of contacting you. And please remember to keep your phone out so if we do call, you see it right away.

4. Walk Away

*Sometimes it’s harder for mom than it is for their kiddo. Many times. So even though it would be ideal to stay and watch and make sure he calms down and plays the game with everyone else, it’s not the best idea. Often, your child won’t settle if they know you’re watching. You’re only one door away from grabbing them back and they know it! So walk away instead and give a time to call. Or if you really want to check, let the supervising intern or staff member know you want to check on Sophie. They can make sure they’re not looking and you can pop your head around to see. It’s possible for your child to settle down and get all fired up again if they see you, so even though it’s tough, refrain yourself from standing right outside the door while your child works to calm down.

5. Know It’s Normal

*We know it’s not normal for you to see your kid cry as you walk away. But as volunteers in the classroom, it’s pretty normal to us. Like I said earlier, a day doesn’t go by that there isn’t at least one kiddo who puts on the sad face and lets those tears roll. Even if your child has been happy-go-lucky in their classroom for weeks (or years) it’s totally normal for a child to suddenly decide this “letting go of mama” thing isn’t so great after all. Sometimes getting back into the groove takes a week, sometimes a month. And sometimes kids go through season-long phases. In fact some kids roll through the settling-in process in each of their classrooms in early childhood, all the way up to fives. We’ve seen it all. So don’t worry about the volunteers. We want to take care of your child and we want you to be able to enjoy church. And if it’s necessary, we’ll call.

Sometimes, even after all of this, the only thing that works is time. It’s ok if that’s the case with your kiddo. We pray for your kids and specifically for those kids who struggle at drop off. I would encourage you to pray with your child about it, too. I served in the walkers room for years and I now see some three, four, and five year olds thriving that Mom and I really had to work through in the walkers room. Know that your child will eventually get used to things in Crossing Kids and will build the trust necessary to have a blast and learn about Jesus. One of my favorite things to witness is that first week when a kid who’s struggled and cried each day at drop off finally smiles and waves at mom and hops into class. So give it your best shot. We love your kids and look forward to partnering with you to help your kids get to know and love Jesus.

What does it have to do with me?

Devotional, Easter, Reflection No Responses »

Mar 192013

I’ve spent the past 52 days reading through a devotional by Paul Tripp called Whiter than Snow: Meditations on Sin and Mercy. In a lot of ways, these devotions have prepared my heart for Easter even though they are taken from Psalm 51. I wanted to share a few parts that have been meaningful to me and hopefully will encourage your soul as you prepare for Easter.

Day 27 “Every sin is vertical, no matter how thunderous the horizontal implications of it are. It’s God, for whom and through whom we were created to live, whose boundaries we step over, because we don’t love him the way that we should.”

My sin is first and most importantly against God. I step over his line every day and in many ways as I deal with my family, friends and co-workers.

Day 29 “Iniquity is best described as moral uncleanness. This word points to the comprehensive nature of the effect of sin on us. Sin is a moral infection that stains everything we desire, think, speak, and do…Sin is best defined as falling short of a standard. In our moments of best intention and best effort we still fall short. We’re simply unable to reach the level of the standards that God has set for us.”

My very nature is sinful, not just my actions. Every think I do is tainted by my sinful thoughts and attitudes. This can be discouraging at times but also is a good reminder that even when I think I’m doing well, I am still falling short and in need of a Savior.

Day 35 “What does it have to do with me, this private dinner in a rented room? What does it have to do with me, this basin unused with proud men at the table? What does it have to do with me, this dark garden echoing with painful prayer? What does it have to do with me, these three asleep, with a friend in torment? What does it have to do with me, this kiss of death with soldiers as witnesses? What does it have to do with me, these trumped-up charges by jealous men? What does it have to do with me, this bruised and bloody back? What does it have to do with me, this crown of thorns with flowers removed? What does it have to do with me, this Roman ruler washing his hands? What does it have to do with me, this dirty bloody man nailed to a tree? What does it have to do with me, these criminal companions hung on either side? What does it have to do with me, soldiers gambling for the clothes of the accused? What does it have to do with me, sword to the side to finish him off? What does it have to do with me, this scarred corpse placed in a borrowed crypt? What does it have to do with me, these women surprised at the body gone? What does it have to do with me, this story so removed, so long ago? What does it have to do with me, this one wise and suffering man? What does it have to do with me, Palestine graced, hope rejected? What does it have to do with me? This story is my story, each chapter is for me. This unattractive man of humble beginning and ignominious end is the Hope fo the Universe. Mercy is what it has to do with me; it is what the sin struggle of my heart, like the heart of David, requires.”

So what does Easter have to do with me? These questions reminded me that it has everything to do with me. I need a Savior. I need to be rescued from my sin. I need what Jesus did for me on the cross. I need a Redeemer who lives.

Day 36 “And so the whole redemptive story marches toward Immanuel, the Redeemer who would destroy sin’s dominion in our hearts by making our hearts the place where he, in his power, wisdom, and glory, would dwell.”

Praise be to God for Jesus!

Crossing Kids: Sunday, March 17, 2013

5th Grade, Elementary, Little Ones, Preschool, Sunday Morning No Responses »

Mar 172013

Little Ones

Big Idea: Jesus is Alive!

Monthly Symbol: Cross

Memory Verse: “Christ died for us” – Romans 5:8b

Bible Story Focus: Jesus’ death and Resurrection

Lesson Overview:

In this lesson, kids will hear of Jesus’ death on a cross and resurrection from the dead. They will learn that Jesus died for those He loves and raised again so that we too may have life with God.

Preschool

Monthly Image: Cross

Big Idea: Jesus is Alive! Our Forever King diead and rose from the dead.

Memory Verse: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

Bible Story Focus: The Last Supper | Luke 22:1-23

Lesson Overview:

In this lesson, kids will hear of Jesus eating the last meal with His disciples. Kids will learn that we take communion as way to recognize what Jesus did for us by His death on a cross. Kids will learn that Jesus will reign in Heaven, as our Forever King.

Songs: “Good, Good Friend” and “You Alone Can Rescue”

Activities Our preschoolers will be playing a ring toss game with wine goblets and making crosses on hills at 8:00 and 11:00. At 9:30, children will be making stained glass windows to hang in the classroom and will be making a watercolor cross painting with the memory verse to take home.

I Wonder Questions

I wonder…who led the disciples to the place where they celebrated Passover?

*A man carrying a jar of water.

I wonder…what meal did Jesus share with his friends?

*The Last Supper.

I wonder…why do we take communion?
*To remember that Jesus died on the cross for us.

Kindergarten-4th Grade

Title of Unit: Prayer: Boldly Approaching the Throne of Grace

Dates: February 17-March 17

Key Concept of Unit: We can have a relationship with God through prayer.

Unit Overview: David was a great sinner who understood he had a great Savior. The God David writes about in the Psalms is both personal and all powerful. He approached Him with honesty in every season of life—those filled with joy, those filled with pain, those filled with sin, those filled with blessing, and every where in between. By examining the Psalms, children will get a glimpse of what it means to approach their Forever King boldly through prayer.

Memory Verse for Unit: So let us boldly approach the throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it. Hebrews 4:16

Objectives for Unit:

After participating in this unit, children will understand:

· Because of Jesus, we can have a relationship with God through prayer. We don’t have to be afraid to approach our Forever King. Instead, we can do so boldly.

· Jesus wants us to come to Him honestly in prayer. We don’t have to “fix ourselves” before we can come to Him. Instead, we can come to Him broken, messy, weary and needy.

· Our Forever King is both personal and all-powerful.

Workshop Descriptions

Family Dinner: In his book The Praying Life, Paul Miller writes, “When Jesus describes the intimacy he wants with us, he talks about joining us for dinner. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). A praying life feels like our family mealtimes because prayer is all about relationship.” In this workshop, children will participate in a family dinner and a set of prayer stations that allow them to experience this idea.

Messy: Children will create a mess using various objects and attempt to clean it up with a filthy rag to symbolize how our righteous acts are unable to cover over our sin. They will read Psalm 51 to see how David came to God with his sin and take some time to respond.

Memory Verse: Children will learn that through Jesus, we can approach God’s throne of grace confidently. After studying several passages about prayer, children will create scepters to remind them of this truth found in our memory verse.

Music: Students will learn that part of prayer is praising God for who He is and what He’s done. Children will listen and illustrate the song “The Lord Is” before selecting a Psalm to sing, dance, and/or act out as a way of praising God.

Thanksgiving Tree: Children will create a class “Thanksgiving Tree” as a way to praise and thank God for His past grace.

Ways to Follow Up:

· Listen to The Lord Is by: Sovereign Grace

· Spend time praying together as a family. You can pray aloud, through writing in a journal, using note cards, or even creating a tree of thanksgiving listing the many things you’re thankful for.

· Read Psalms together or p. 130-135 in The Jesus Storybook Bible.

· Practice the memory verse together.

· As parents, read The Praying Life by: Paul Miller. It will encourage you as you spend time with the Lord and pray for your children together.

Music

The Lord Is- by Sovereign Grace Music Psalms

Call to Me - by Seeds of Courage from Seeds Family Worship

Rise and Sing - JUMP CD

5th Grade

Grapple Question:

Is Being Liked What Matters?

Kids Learn:

Focusing on God’s Opinion

Dig Into the Bible:

Psalm 139:17-18; Matthew 10:29-32; John 5:16-18, 36-44; 2 Corinthians 10:12-18; Galatians 1:10

Fitting in—wanting to have the right clothes, watch the right movies, and hang out with the right people—is growing increasingly important to your preteen. And the media your child sees (magazines, TV shows, commercials, and movies) just reinforces this message of the need to be liked and accepted.

Take a minute with your son or daughter to thumb through some magazines targeted at preteens and teens (companies are starting to target these age groups together). Check out Teen People, Teen Vogue, J-14, or other magazines your preteen might subscribe to or be interested in. Count how many references to popularity or fitting in you can find. Then read Romans 12:2 together. Remind your child that fitting in with God’s plan is more important than being liked.

Easter and the Old Testament

Devotional, Easter No Responses »

Mar 132013

This year I decided to read through the Bible in chronological order. It is something I always wanted to do, and even though it is a challenge, I am enjoying the new perspective it gives me. The one thing I didn’t think about with my Bible reading plan is Easter. As I think about preparing my heart and my home to remember the death of Christ and celebrate his resurrection, I am reading about the Israelite’s Exodus from Egypt and their wandering in the desert. Maybe I should, but I don’t naturally make the connection between that at the cross. Then I remembered The Jesus Storybook Bible. What I love about this book is that it points to Christ at the end of every story. The Bible points us to Christ over and over again, but sometimes making the connection isn’t a simple process. The Jesus Storybook Bible is a great reminder that everything in life points to Christ. So as I plow through the details of the tabernacle construction in Exodus, or the laws for cleanliness in Leviticus, I know that what I’m reading isn’t just a (sometimes boring) history lesson.

This morning as I finished the book of Numbers I decided to crack open my son’s copy of The Jesus Storybook Bible and re-read some of what I’ve been reading so far this year. I settled on “Ten Ways to be Perfect”. It re-tells the story of Moses and the Ten Commandments from Exodus 16-17 and 19-40. It ends with Moses presenting the Ten Commandments to the Israelites and what, I think, is a perfect illustration of my heart:

“God promises to always look after you,” Moses said. “Will you love him and keep these rules?”

“We can do it! Yes! We promise!”

But they were wrong. They couldn’t do it. No matter how hard they tried, they could never keep God’s Rules all the time. God knew they couldn’t. And he wanted them to know it, too. Only one Person could keep all the rules. And many years later God would send him—to stand in their place and be perfect for them. Because the rules couldn’t save them. Only God could save them.

The Jesus Storybook Bible 106,107

The Israelites followed God through the desert in hopes of one day reaching the Promise Land. And, one day, they did. They believed that one day a King would come to save them. And, one day, He did. And because of these things I know that I am forgiven and that one day I will live forever in heaven with Christ. Heaven is our Promise Land and our forever home. So this Easter as I continue to read about the Israelites I am excited for my renewed perspective on their journey and a new way to remember Christ’s death and resurrection.

Preparing for Easter

Devotional, Easter, Family, Lent, Parents No Responses »

Mar 122013

Growing up, Advent and Lent were seasons that not just my church but my family observed. Both were times of anticipation and waiting. Both were times of drawing closer to the manger and to the cross. Both were opportunities my parents used to start intentional conversations about the Gospel.

Lent in many ways has gotten a bad wrap. The idea of giving something up for the 40+ days before Easter in some ways has become highly ritualistic and unattached from what the season really is about. People abstain from certain foods or vices with a desire not to draw closer to God, but to lose weight or be a better person. Others attempt to sacrifice because of a desire to win the approval of man or from a distorted view of obligation. On the other extreme, Easter in many ways has become a holiday for consumers. Jelly beans, eggs, and bunnies encourage us to bypass the crucifixion and instead focus on cultural icons tied more closely to spring than anything else.

I’ve ran across several sites and blogs that have shared some great ideas for ways you can prepare your family for this season intentionally.

Tell the Easter Story with a Play Dough Mountain
A great idea for families with younger children, this blog post from Desiring God gives children the opportunity to retell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection with play dough and pipe cleaner

Photo Credit

Resurrection Rolls
Use this fun, tasty recipe to tell the Easter story. The link includes the recipe along with a list of things to say/share as you cook together.

Photo Credit

Lent Devotional from The Village Church
While this may be a little too extensive to do with young children, it’s what I’m currently working through to prepare my heart as an individual. Each week includes a prayer from Valley of Vision to meditate on, selected scripture with a place to reflect, and ideas on things to fast from/how best to go about this process in a Biblical way. It also opens with a great rationale of what Lent is. I’ve copied a snippet of this below:

“Lent is about the gospel. It is a time to narrow the focus of the Church to the work of Christ, in particular His life and death, a season to turn from sin and trust in His atoning work…ent is a reminder that the resurrection only occurred after the crucifixion. Rather than skipping over the ministry and crucifixion of Christ, Lent is a season to prepare ourselves for the joy of Resurrection Sunday as we symbolically enter the sorrow and pain which preceded it.”

What Lent Really Means and Easter Tree Directions
Ann Voskamp writes about her own struggles with Lent along with different things she does with her family to prepare for the season. It closes with a free downloadable devotion and directions on how to make an Easter tree.

Lenten Lights from Noel Piper
Noel Piper guides families through 8 weekly scripture readings with an accompanying brief devotional. Instead of lighting candles as one might do in Advent, she suggests extinguishing candles as a way to physically represent the contrast of light and darkness.

The Jesus Storybook Bible
One of our favorite resources to share with children and families is The Jesus Storybook Bible. Pages 280-325 tell the story of Passion Week all the way through Jesus ascending into heaven. Try reading one story a week for six weeks together as a family. You can also watch a video version of Easter morning below.

http://youtu.be/d_PkwywNxCw

Celebrating Easter with Kids
This blog post is a collection of links put together by C.J. Maheny’s daughter Nicole on Girl Talk. Throughout the post, she offers many practical, fun ideas for impressing the truth of the Gospel on little hearts during this season.

John Devotional
Of course you can also check out our weekly family devotional through the book of John. Many of the passages will coincide with the Lent/Easter season. We will also share a take home devotional with you at our Family Easter Celebration on March 16.

What other ways do you celebrate the Lent and Easter season together as a family? Be sure to share your ideas in the comment section or on Facebook.

Crossing Kids: Sunday, March 10

5th Grade, Elementary, Little Ones, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning No Responses »

Mar 102013

Little Ones

Big Idea: Jesus is Alive!

Monthly Symbol: Cross

Memory Verse: “Christ died for us” – Romans 5:8b

Bible Story Focus: The Triumphant Entry | Matthew 21:1-11

Lesson Overview:

In this lesson, kids will hear of when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey. They will learn that the people were asking for a special kind of King, but they didn’t understand that Jesus was a King that would die for them on a cross. Kids will hear that the same people that cheered for Him as He entered the city are the same people that crucified Him a week later.

Preschool

Monthly Image: Cross

Big Idea: Jesus is Alive! Our Forever King died and rose from the dead.

Memory Verse: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

Bible Story Focus: Jesus washed His disciples feet | John 13:1-17

Songs: “Good, Good Friend” and “You Alone Can Rescue”

Activities:

8:00 and 11:00– musical foot washing (like musical chairs) and water sticker sheet

9:30– foot matching game and making a foot poster to remind us of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet

I Wonder Questions:

I wonder…what did Jesus do for His disciples?

*He washed their feet.

I wonder…why didn’t Peter want Jesus to wash his feet?

*He thought the job was too dirty for the Forever King.

I wonder…how has Jesus served you?

*He died on the cross for us.

Kindergarten-4th Grade

Title of Unit: Prayer: Boldly Approaching the Throne of Grace

Dates: February 17-March 17

Key Concept of Unit: We can have a relationship with God through prayer.

Memory Verse for Unit: So let us boldly approach the throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it. Hebrews 4:16

Objectives for Unit:

After participating in this unit, children will understand:

· Because of Jesus, we can have a relationship with God through prayer. We don’t have to be afraid to approach our Forever King. Instead, we can do so boldly.

· Jesus wants us to come to Him honestly in prayer. We don’t have to “fix ourselves” before we can come to Him. Instead, we can come to Him broken, messy, weary and needy.

· Our Forever King is both personal and all-powerful.

Workshop Descriptions

Thanksgiving Tree: Children will create a class “Thanksgiving Tree” as a way to praise and thank God for His past grace.

Ways to Follow Up:

· Listen to The Lord Is by: Sovereign Grace

· Spend time praying together as a family. You can pray aloud, through writing in a journal, using note cards, or even creating a tree of thanksgiving listing the many things you’re thankful for.

· Read Psalms together or p. 130-135 in The Jesus Storybook Bible.

· Practice the memory verse together.

· As parents, read The Praying Life by: Paul Miller. It will encourage you as you spend time with the Lord and pray for your children together.

Music

The Lord Is- by Sovereign Grace Music Psalms

Call to Me - by Seeds of Courage from Seeds Family Worship

Rise and Sing - JUMP CD

5th Grade

Grapple Question: If I’m Forgiven, What’s the Big Deal About Sin?

Kids Learn: Confessing Sin and Pursuing God

Dig Into the Bible: Psalm 32; 51; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:12-15

There are some sins that don’t seem to be a big deal—a little white lie here, a small ma- nipulation of the facts there. It doesn’t really hurt anyone, right?

But even one little sin can affect our relationships with God and others. Tell your son or daughter about a time something turned out to be a bigger deal than you expected— maybe you fudged a little on your résumé and your boss found out, or maybe you told a friend you liked her awful new shirt and she ended up buying you the same one for your birthday. Remind your child that even “little” sins can have an impact.

All of a Sudden {Guest Post}

Uncategorized No Responses »

Mar 092013

This guest post is from a member of a family that is very near and dear to my heart. Meg began the blog Showers of Grace after losing her husband, a Major in the Air Force, this past fall due to an accident at work. She was left with her 1-year-old and 2-year-old at the time. Her faith in the midst of such terrible tragedy has been life-changing for me and my family to watch. Please pray for her (and her little boys) or send an encouraging comment her way on her blog, if you feel led.

Screen Shot 2013-02-17 at 2.57.48 PM

All of a sudden, you lose your job, you get deployment orders, you go into labor, you say “I do”, you get that dreaded call, you leave your home to move to a new place, you meet the man of your dreams, your doctor delivers terrible news, you file for bankruptcy, you realize your spouse is not who you thought you married, you lose someone you love. Most of us have experienced an extreme shift in life and we know that, all of a sudden, life changes; sometimes for the better, and unfortunately, sometimes for the worse.

Life is made up of moments; mostly predictable moments. But then, that dreaded all of a sudden can come knocking on your door when you least expect it. When you just want life to continue as it has been. You experience these game-changing moments and you can’t get around it. Life will bump you into some detour when you aren’t prepared. We can plan all we want. We can put our ducks in a row, cross our fingers, and hope for the best. But one day, all of a sudden, life will change.

For me, my terrible all of a sudden happened like this. And all of a sudden, my husband wasn’t on his way home from work. He wasn’t stopping to pick up that Thai take-out we planned for dinner. He wasn’t there to go to bed with me. I did not hear that all familiar high-pitched whirring of his espresso machine that next morning. No kisses or hugs to send Daddy on his way to work. Without warning, all of a sudden, he was gone. Our family of four was so instantly turned to three. How could he be taken so quickly, so without warning? Utter devastation replaced those happy, predictable moments. No, I didn’t want this all of a sudden coming into my house. But there it stood. As much as I tried to push it away, there was nothing I could do to move it. No amount of tears, prayers, or fighting can make this unavoidable reality go away.

When we find ourselves face-to-face with these all of a sudden moments, how do we get through it? How do we survive these plummeting waves of life? How can we face another day?

I look to an omnipotent God; One who can break down any and every wall we are up against.

I look to a loving God; One whose love has no bounds, we cannot grasp the height, depth, or width of His great love.

I look to an all-knowing God; One who sees the past, present, and future; who knows all things.

I look to a steadfast God; One who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

I look to a providing God; One who promises to give us exactly what we need; who has gifted us with His Word.

And in His Word, we can see, all of a sudden:

God made a promise, perfection arrived in a tiny bundle in Bethlehem, water was turned to wine, blind eyes were opened, the lame walked, diseases were removed, five thousand bellies were miraculously filled, a man walked on water, True Love died for us, hopelessness was transformed, sins were removed, salvation was declared on Calvary, the tomb was rolled away, and grace was freely offered.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be a part of this story. I know that same power that is revealed throughout the Gospel is available to us today. His all of a suddens can easily triumph over ours. The bumps and detours of life don’t hold a candle to His mighty power.

Many people have told me I am facing one of their worst nightmares. But I can assure you, this nightmare is in the hands of an all-powerful and loving God. I know that I can stand (or lay when I need to) upon the solid rock of Christ. He does not waver. I can place my circumstance into His more than capable hands. The same hands that split seas and formed the heavens and the earth, can easily hold me, hold you, and transform our terrible all of a suddens into beautiful stories of redemption.

When you face a terrible all of a sudden in your life, I hope you find comfort in these verses, as I have:

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called. Romans 8:28

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Romans 8:31

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

Doing Battle Through Prayer

Devotional, Parents, prayer, Volunteers No Responses »

Mar 072013

I love being in vocational ministry. That sounds really uptight. I love that my job each day is to go work for a church and spend my time figuring out how to bless volunteers and teach kids that the best friend they could ever, ever have is Jesus. But one thing I have noticed since I officially became a part of the ministry is that I feel more under attack. You may not believe in spiritual attack. I am not trying to convince you it’s real. I am telling you I have felt more mental attacks in my life since I dedicated it to facilitating relationships between Jesus and the little ones.

What does this look like? I am sure each person has seen spiritual attacks in different ways. For me, it has come in the form of mental lies. These are truths I have believed in for years, that I haven’t struggled with at all, that are now sneaking their way into my brain. I don’t know how they get there (actually yes, yes I do) but I’ve had tough days of struggling in real ways with the truths of God. I know it’s not cool and spiritual to say that. But I sometimes feel we need to hear the uncool to know that we are not alone in our trials (because honestly, aside from lies, evil’s other tactic is alienation and making people feel alone.).

A couple of weeks ago, I went to San Diego for a ministry conference. I came away with some great ideas for ministry and renewal in so many ways. Particularly, though, I had a true moment of renewal I want to share.

On the last evening of the conference, we were being led in worship and those lies I mentioned started back in my head. I was so, so sick of it that I did what I should have done in the first place. I stopped praising and in my head (and maybe out loud whispering) I said, “Jesus, I pray that only truth would live in me and you would clear my mind of anything that isn’t true and that isn’t from you. I believe in your truth and I know when I ask you to dwell in my mind, you will. Please clear out any lies.” I felt pretty instantly better. I was able to praise and I didn’t feel all this conflict in my mind.

The topic this particular night was on praying for the international children’s ministries. Larry Fowler gave a great message on prayer and I am feeling his passion. I am in it. Scribbling notes as fast as my bright pink, felt tip pen will write.

We get to the end and he says that a message on prayer wouldn’t be complete without praying. Great! I love prayer! So he asks all those in ministry outside the states to stand up so we can gather round and pray for them. I see one of my favorite speakers standing next to me. A bunch of international pastors are near me and Beth Guckenberger, a missionary I admire, is near me with her team from Mexico. I am thinking, “this is sweet! I get to end this day by praying for Beth and her team! Awesome! She’s on my prayer list and to think I can pray over her in person. So cool!”

Well, the guy leading prayers looks around, decides there aren’t enough people standing so he says, “I am going to add one more category of people so we can all pray over some more in our midst. If you have been in children’s ministry…”

In my head, he’s about to say something about people who have been in ministry a long time and I am getting pumped to pray for those in our midst who maybe are feeling burnout and my mind is racing. I’m excited. That’s not what he says.

“…for less than nine months. If you have been in ministry nine months or less, please stand so we can pray over you.” I start counting on my hands. Eight and a half. I look at my coworker. She prompts me to stand.

I don’t want to stand. I don’t want to be humbled in front of all these people and admit I need help. I want to go pray for Beth. Or someone who might really need it. Or anyone really. But that’s not what was supposed to happen. I stood and mumbled something about barely making the cutoff. Before I can get all the way out of my seat, I am completely surrounded by people. All sides. My coworker is to my right and lays her hands on me. I have hands all over me and the woman right in front of me introduces herself and asks if she can pray for me. Sure. That’s why we’re here, right? No backing out now.

She starts to pray for me. I can’t tell you all she asked. But what I do remember is she asked God to strengthen me. To provide me with young people to stand next to me and support me. To provide me with older, wiser people to mentor me and lead me. And to give me courage and strength to keep going. And I am crying just writing this. But to live it, I felt the tears falling onto the ugly conference room carpet at my feet. I felt so humbled, so vulnerable, and so filled.

It’s as if, at that moment, God was saying to me, “You asked me to comfort and fill you. You needed prayer. And I am your Father and give you all good things. So instead of just holding you close on my own, I am giving you dozens of people to come pray on your behalf.” I would say it was too much but really it was just enough. We concluded and I was swarmed with hugs and hand clasps as I tried to not look like a human waterfall. God had answered my prayers. He was just waiting for me to ask.

There were so many good things at that conference but few things compare to God answering your prayers in an almost audible way.

If you are struggling with something in your mind that you know is not Truth, would you please pray and command God to take it? I am praying for you right now. Evil only has the power we give it. We know who wins. Let’s let him win in our lives as well. We have lots of tools in this life but few as powerful and action-filled as prayer. We don’t think of prayer as action sometimes. But it is. Such a powerful action to surrender and ask our God, our Father, to act on our behalf.

You all should also know that the Crossing Kids team takes time to pray each week for those in our ministry and for each other. If you have anything in your life, your family, or your ministry you’d like us to pray for, please comment or email us. We are called to bear each others’ burdens. We want to do that for you.

Thanks for being the fellow young and old standing next to me. We need each other to fight this battle, no matter what our battle looks like. I am praying for your battle today. We are more than conquerers in Christ Jesus.

Crossing Kids: Sunday, March 3, 2013

5th Grade, Elementary, Family, Little Ones, Preschool, Sunday Morning No Responses »

Mar 032013

Little Ones

Big Idea: Jesus is Alive!

Monthly Symbol: Cross

Memory Verse: “Christ died for us” – Romans 5:8b

Bible Story Focus: The Triumphant Entry | Matthew 21:1-11

Lesson Overview:

Preschool

Monthly Image: Cross

Big Idea: Jesus is Alive! Our Forever King died and rose from the dead.

Memory Verse: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

Bible Story Focus: Triumphant Entry | Matthew 21:1-11

Songs: “Good, Good Friend” and “You Alone Can Rescue”

Activities:

8:00 and 11:00– balloon batting with palm branches and making a donkey photo with yarn

9:30– palm branch and donkey puzzles and make your own palm branch

I Wonder Questions:

I wonder…what did the people shout when Jesus entered the city?

*Hosanna!

I wonder…why did Jesus die on the cross for us?

*To rescue us from our sin.

I wonder…what kind of king is Jesus?

*A King who serves His people.

Kindergarten-4th Grade

Title of Unit: Prayer: Boldly Approaching the Throne of Grace

Dates: February 17-March 17

Key Concept of Unit: We can have a relationship with God through prayer.

Memory Verse for Unit: So let us boldly approach the throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it. Hebrews 4:16

Objectives for Unit:

After participating in this unit, children will understand:

· Because of Jesus, we can have a relationship with God through prayer. We don’t have to be afraid to approach our Forever King. Instead, we can do so boldly.

· Jesus wants us to come to Him honestly in prayer. We don’t have to “fix ourselves” before we can come to Him. Instead, we can come to Him broken, messy, weary and needy.

· Our Forever King is both personal and all-powerful.

Workshop Descriptions

Thanksgiving Tree: Children will create a class “Thanksgiving Tree” as a way to praise and thank God for His past grace.

Ways to Follow Up:

· Listen to The Lord Is by: Sovereign Grace

· Spend time praying together as a family. You can pray aloud, through writing in a journal, using note cards, or even creating a tree of thanksgiving listing the many things you’re thankful for.

· Read Psalms together or p. 130-135 in The Jesus Storybook Bible.

· Practice the memory verse together.

· As parents, read The Praying Life by: Paul Miller. It will encourage you as you spend time with the Lord and pray for your children together.

Music

The Lord Is- by Sovereign Grace Music Psalms

Call to Me - by Seeds of Courage from Seeds Family Worship

Rise and Sing - JUMP CD

5th Grade

Grapple Question:

Can I Do Something So Bad It’ll Keep Me Out of Heaven?

Kids Learn:

The Unpardonable Sin

Dig Into the Bible:

Matthew 12:31-32; John 5:24; 10:27-30; Hebrews 10:26-31

As a parent, you understand the concept of unconditional love. Even when your kids make disappointing decisions, are unbelievably annoying, or bring embarrassing attention to your personal flaws, you continue to accept them and teach them in love. God looks at his children the same way. God knows that we mess up every day, that we sin repeatedly, and that we continually have to go back and ask for forgiveness. And God promises that through Jesus we can have all our sins erased and live forever in heaven. We just have to believe in Jesus and accept his forgiveness.

The Outdoor Classroom: An Interesting Idea

Education, Learning Theories, Videos No Responses »

Mar 012013

A few weeks ago, Keith Simon led a parenting seminar, “How Good Parents Ruin their Kids,” where he discussed the idea that parents are perhaps doing too much for their kids. Parents often strive for the ultimate goal of keeping their kids happy at all costs. While this might seem like a good thing in some ways, kids are struggling to cope with the challenges life throws at them because they have often been to coddled, sheltered, and protected from any difficulty.

Keith reminded us of our ultimate goal as Christian parents: to help guide our children to love and serve Jesus. This means allowing God to bring hardship into our kids’ lives to mature them in their faith. When we allow our children to experience hardship, challenges, and difficulties, we have an opportunity to use those experiences to point them to Jesus.

With these ideas in mind, I have long been intrigued by the concept of the outdoor classroom. Outdoor education is most popular in Europe, but is gaining some popularity in certain parts of the United States. The idea is simple – teachers facilitate meaningful learning in a outdoor environment exposing children to the hardship and beauty of the elements. Kids are allowed to experience the discomfort of being cold and hot and wet as they learn. They are encouraged to explore without the “safety” of the playground – they climb trees, cross streams, and get dirty. Teachers encourage kids to learn using real tools – matches to light fires, hammers, nails, & saws to construct, and pots and pans to cook over an open stove.

Watch this six minute video of an outdoor kindergarten in Norway to get a taste of the outdoor classroom.

While none of these schools are actively teaching Christianity (that I know of), I think this model would be ideal for pointing kids to God through enjoying the world He made – and the challenges and beauty in it. Since we don’t have any outdoor schools in Columbia, perhaps the next best thing would be to take our kids for hikes on the Katy trail or a camping trip in the Ozarks. Playing in the snow, climbing trees, pitching a tent in the backyard, collecting leaves, and planting a garden are all ways to help our kids experience the challenge and joy of God’s world.

What do you think about the idea of the outdoor classroom?

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