A Little Advice (for myself)

As I was reflecting today (a combination of praying, panicking and planning) God gave me a message that I just needed to post, mostly for myself – though if it encourages you, then so be it. I’ve just completed Day #2 of “Operation Mr. Mom” – nine days solo with my boy. Don’t get me wrong – I don’t mind ONE BIT, in fact today was a perfect day filled with church, a special meal out, lots of love and cuddles and playful fun and even a a boat ride for dinner courtesy of a friend who loaned me their pontoon boat for the evening. I’m not complaining, but I am thinking about how I’m going to do this week. I’ll do less work, for sure, by design as well as necessity, and I refuse to farm the boy out (though I’ve had many offers!) but it’s tough enough on the boy having mom gone so long, I want to be around as much as possible; after all, he’s used to having mom when I’m out of town. Anyway, I was thinking through everything on my plate, current projects, the usual constant communication load, and then not only keeping up…

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Win Nearly $600 in Awesome Video Products!

REPRINTED from the Kidology.org home page, want to make sure you don’t miss this! These products are truly amazing and live up to the name “Awesome!” We’ve been working to get these on Kidology for a long time and just know you will find them a huge blessing to your ministry! We have an ‘awesome’ offer for you this month. Here’s the deal: Join or renew your membership to Kidology.org during the month of August and we will enter your name into a random drawing for an ‘Awesome’ Prize Giveaway.’ (Professional level or above) What’s included in this ‘Awesome’ prize? How about one of each of the awesomevideostuff.com products featured in our store! Each one is unique, and PACKED with useful resources for your ministry. Animated Bible Maps uses actual satellite images to create 3D animated maps, and allows you to project them onto a large screen. Children’s Pastors Tool Box is packed with audio and video clips designed for use by churches. Revolutionize the way you teach! Secret Weapon will be your best recruiting tool, featuring 6 ‘commercials’ to attract willing volunteers. Drama Tool Kit allows multiple sound effects, to enhance your drama or skit. Also includes video backdrops!…

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Podcast – Sneak Peek!

It’s been a fun week as Gus and I have been doing several CM Celebrity Podcast interviews! If you haven’t already, subscribe to our podcast and don’t miss out on these upcoming entertaining and informative podcasts coming in the next few weeks. Our interview with Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller from the National Center for Biblical Parenting is LIVE NOW and we’ve got some good ones coming in the weeks ahead, including AWANA’s Executive Director of Global Training, Larry Fowler; Author of Rock Solid Kids and the brand new Raising a Modern Day Joseph. (Do not hesitate, order now!) Sign ups for this FREE Podcast is growing daily, don’t get left behind! (Tip: If you listen through, Gus will give you $20! Details in the podcast only!)

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Curriculum: Your Ministry’s Foundation

While the word “curriculum” may solicit yawns from many people, don’t underestimate the importance of curriculum on your ministry! The foundation of your educational ministry is your curriculum. Everything else hinges from and is built upon the foundation laid by your educational hour teaching material. How high and how deep and how broad your educational ministry will be is greatly determined by curriculum. HOW DO YOU CHOOSE CURRICULUM? THE WRONG WAY: Use what you have always used Let your teachers each pick their own Look at tons of samples and pickone based on what appeals to you Depend on curriculum promotions Use what some other great church uses THE RIGHT WAY: Determine what YOU would like to accomplish in your Sunday School educational program. List your educational goals List weaknesses with current material. Make a list of what you are looking for. THEN look at published materials that match your criteria. I remember when I started my previous ministry, our curriculum situation was a mess! Here was what we were facing: Every teacher used what they liked, over five published curriculums were in use, some taught without any published material. Repetition and Omission of Bible stories was not only likely,…

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Watermelon Joy

There’s just something about a boy and his watermelon. I love how everything Luke does he does with so much joy. There is nothing mundane or normal to him. What is routine for us is pure excitement for him. Whether it be simply getting dressed, taking a bath, picking up toys or eating a watermelon – he approaches everything with such a sense of adventure and joy that I wonder sometimes why we lose the pure satisfaction from the simple things in life. Why do we need vacations or thrill parks or something “new” or risk to excite us? What if we could find deep joy and satisfaction in something as ordinary as a watermelon? My boy has taught me that. My joy comes from sharing in his. The next time you have to do something ordinary or mundane… smile. Your Heavenly Father is watching and delighting in your life too.

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