Advent is a time to hope. Advent is a time to prepare. Advent is a time to be expectant.
We are waiting for the baby Jesus. But how do we push past the busy-ness, the shopping, the school exams and projects? How do we get that feeling of anticipation and excitement? How the heck do we really (and practically) get our hearts ready?
YouTube.
Yep, YouTube is where I'm turning this Advent season. Here are some great resources that I hope our youth families will share around the dinner (or breakfast or whatever time works) table! And if there's not a time you are all together, consistently, start an Advent group chat with your family and friends! Share theses links ... one a day for Advent week 3 and Christmas Eve!
December 17
Advent in 2 minutes
December 18
Re-tooning the Nativity: Things in the Nativity, not actually in the Bible
December 19
Fa-la-la-la-la: Advent Conspiracy
December 20
Hallelujah
December 21
Slow Down: O Come, O Come Emmanuel
December 22
Silent Night Sand Art
December 23
A prayer for the Advent Season
December 24
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Advent Resources for Families with Teens
Advent Starts Sunday! A GREAT time to slow it down ...
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! Please are in the holiday spirit, for sure! That is evidenced by all the decorations I see up in my neighborhood, the fact that yesterday's Cyber Monday spending nearly doubled (or more) last year's spending, and Christmas carols already playing on the radio!
I think we, the people, want some happy. I think we NEED some happy. With all the drama happening in the news with politicians, famous people, and everyday people, we're just craving some happy. Christmas has become an easy reminder of happy. And we're stretching it more and more each year, it seems, even now decorating our houses BEFORE Thanksgiving!
All of these wonderful, happy "things" are awesome but "if we aren’t intentional to prioritize the Wonderful One of the season – Jesus – before we know it, our hearts and schedules will" just be full of things. We might miss out on the joy (and happy) God brings us in the greatest Gift ever!
When my preteen was younger, it was easier to do a nightly Bible story read or a devotional. But as he gets older, we get busier. Advent is a good time and reminder to slow it down! Wouldn't it be great to anticipate the baby Jesus like we anticipate the gift giving, decorating, time with extended family, and happy?
This year my family will be participating in a daily Advent devotional time (that will take us 5 minutes a day). Will you join us? We're going to try using THE WONDER OF THE GREATEST GIFT (an interactive Advent calendar with things to add to the tree and a daily devo). I highly recommend this resource but below are some other resources I found HERE that you can use during Advent in the days leading to Christmas! There are family devotionals and individual devotionals that are great for families with teens! If you have Amazon Prime, they will be here in plenty of time to start Sunday!
xxoo,
Jillianne
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
Traces the coming of Christ through the Bible
Download & print or purchase accompanying Jesse Tree Ornaments
Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski
Includes activities, songs, and historical fiction story
Companion music available from Sovereign Grace Music on Spotify
Jotham’s Journey by Arnold Ytreeide
Historical Fiction
Follow Jotham’s exciting adventure in and around Judea in the year of Christ’s birth.
1 of 4 Books in a series
All is Bright by Nancy Guthrie
Detailed coloring sheets for adults
Simplified coloring sheets for kids
Same devotional content as Guthrie’s “Let Every Heart”
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Nancy Guthrie
Includes song lyrics & prayers
Same devotional content as Guthrie’s “All is Bright”
The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper
Daily excerpts from Piper’s sermons
Great book for personal devotions
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Nancy Guthrie
Reading from 22 contemporary and classic theologians and Bible teachers.
Great book for personal devotions
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! Please are in the holiday spirit, for sure! That is evidenced by all the decorations I see up in my neighborhood, the fact that yesterday's Cyber Monday spending nearly doubled (or more) last year's spending, and Christmas carols already playing on the radio!
I think we, the people, want some happy. I think we NEED some happy. With all the drama happening in the news with politicians, famous people, and everyday people, we're just craving some happy. Christmas has become an easy reminder of happy. And we're stretching it more and more each year, it seems, even now decorating our houses BEFORE Thanksgiving!
All of these wonderful, happy "things" are awesome but "if we aren’t intentional to prioritize the Wonderful One of the season – Jesus – before we know it, our hearts and schedules will" just be full of things. We might miss out on the joy (and happy) God brings us in the greatest Gift ever!
When my preteen was younger, it was easier to do a nightly Bible story read or a devotional. But as he gets older, we get busier. Advent is a good time and reminder to slow it down! Wouldn't it be great to anticipate the baby Jesus like we anticipate the gift giving, decorating, time with extended family, and happy?
This year my family will be participating in a daily Advent devotional time (that will take us 5 minutes a day). Will you join us? We're going to try using THE WONDER OF THE GREATEST GIFT (an interactive Advent calendar with things to add to the tree and a daily devo). I highly recommend this resource but below are some other resources I found HERE that you can use during Advent in the days leading to Christmas! There are family devotionals and individual devotionals that are great for families with teens! If you have Amazon Prime, they will be here in plenty of time to start Sunday!
xxoo,
Jillianne
Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp
Traces the coming of Christ through the Bible
Download & print or purchase accompanying Jesse Tree Ornaments
Prepare Him Room by Marty Machowski
Includes activities, songs, and historical fiction story
Companion music available from Sovereign Grace Music on Spotify
Jotham’s Journey by Arnold Ytreeide
Historical Fiction
Follow Jotham’s exciting adventure in and around Judea in the year of Christ’s birth.
1 of 4 Books in a series
All is Bright by Nancy Guthrie
Detailed coloring sheets for adults
Simplified coloring sheets for kids
Same devotional content as Guthrie’s “Let Every Heart”
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Nancy Guthrie
Includes song lyrics & prayers
Same devotional content as Guthrie’s “All is Bright”
The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper
Daily excerpts from Piper’s sermons
Great book for personal devotions
Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Nancy Guthrie
Reading from 22 contemporary and classic theologians and Bible teachers.
Great book for personal devotions
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Virginia Theological Seminary Interview about 30 Hour Famine
30 Hour Famine: A Youth Event with Staying Power
Posted by Admin on February 24th, 2016
“Don’t be afraid. Don’t short-change your youth – they can do this. 30 Hour Famine is a convicting and moving experience.”
30 Hour Famine at St. John’s
At St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, 30 Hour Famine is more than a youth program – it’s a parish institution. An annual event for 17 years, the 30 Hour Famine invites participants to experience hunger, and to raise money for hunger relief.
Building Faith recently interviewed Jillianne Booth, the youth minister at St. John’s. On February 26th, she will once again lead about 100 teenagers and 25 adults in the 30 Hour Famine.
How would you describe the 30 Hour Famine?
30 Hour Famine is an event to raise awareness for hunger and homelessness. It is actually a nation-wide (and world-wide) program, which you can learn more about at 30hourfamine.org.
The event allows youth (middle school and high school) to fast for 30 straight hours – starting on Friday and continuing until Saturday evening. During the fast, we are all together here at the church. We worship, play games, and do service projects off campus. For many students, the most powerful part is building cardboard shelters to sleep in on Friday night. All the shelters on the front lawn of the church create a ‘cardboard village.’
What is the primary goal?
There are several goals of the 30 Hour Famine. Certainly to raise awareness for hunger worldwide, and to help our youth experience a short period of hunger. Additionally, students raise money for hunger relief by obtaining sponsorships from family and friends. The opportunity to raise money is something our church takes seriously. In 16 years we have raised over 1 million dollars – this will be year 17, and so we’re starting on the next million!
Overall, an important aspect of 30 Hour Famine is encouraging our youth to reach out to the circles of people around them. The students write personal letters to request sponsorships, and this itself is a powerful experience. Students see that can make a positive difference. Another example is that because students begin their fast on Friday during school hours, they often need to explain to their peers why they are not eating.
What ages does it work best for?
At our church, 30 Hour Famine is for grades 6-12. And I can tell you that the sixth graders handle it amazingly well. As the students get older, they can do the event every year. Some of the high school students even do a 40 Hour Famine, in which they start fasting at 2 a.m. Friday morning. In total, we have 75 to 100 students, along with 25-30 adults participating.
Around Saturday afternoon, the students do get really hungry. Of course, health and safety are priorities. We have many adult volunteers who provide support, as well as drinks, etc. We do provide some food, usually rice and beans, if students need it. But overall, they really begin to identify with those people who lack sufficient food. Throughout the event, we give our kids tools and statistics to understand hunger. We also have children’s profiles from World Vision that we show on the screen in the hall.
How do you break the fast?
We break our fast with Eucharist on Saturday evening. St John’s has a regular 5 p.m. Saturday service – so we all go to that service and the youth serve as readers, ushers, intercessors, and chalice bearers. The theme of our famine is worked into the service in various ways. After worship we have a big meal in the parish hall, with many volunteers from the church providing food and hospitality.
How do you involve the whole church community?
This is a signature event, and it has really become part of the DNA of the parish. Everyone knows about 30 Hour Famine, and we publicize it well in advance. For example, there is big sign on the church lawn with a countdown to the event. We have parish volunteers to set up, break down, cook food, and help lead service projects such as creating small bags to distribute to the homeless. We also have our night watch team that stays up on the front lawn on Friday.
Can you describe a student for whom it was a powerful experience?
We have a student who is in the 9th grade this year. He discover that he could promote the 30 Hour Famine if he he showed up at every church service and met people outside to talk about it. Even the early 7:30 a.m. service! He is there every Sunday, telling people about the Famine. To see his dedication, brought out by this event, is really moving.
Do you recommend the materials from 30hourfamine.org?
Yes, absolutely. We get the kit each year, which is free. When you sign up to do the famine, they send you materials which include lots of practical advice and planning tools. Because we have such a large event, however, we have many additional planning teams and committees (worship, food, etc). We make our own theme each year.
Any other tips and tricks?
• Get the support and buy-in from the leadership of your church.
• Then seek support and buy-in from the entire church community.
• Brainstorm with a planning team.
• Know that there are MANY little details. For example, where are we going to get the cardboard?!
• Consider a volunteer coordinator. This has been a life saver for me!
Do you have advice for someone thinking of running this program?
Just do it! Don’t be afraid. Don’t short-change your youth – they can do this. 30 Hour Famine is a convicting and moving experience; you will be glad you brought this powerful event to your church.
Jillianne Booth is the Youth Minister at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte, NC. She has a Master’s in Christian Education from Pfeiffer University. Jillianne’s two beautiful children keep her busy and on her toes; she loves being a mom. In her spare time she tries to be like Rachael Ray and if she could have any other job in the world other than youth minister, it would be Rachael’s! Her other loves are Mexican food and flip flops.
Posted by Admin on February 24th, 2016
“Don’t be afraid. Don’t short-change your youth – they can do this. 30 Hour Famine is a convicting and moving experience.”
30 Hour Famine at St. John’s
At St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte, North Carolina, 30 Hour Famine is more than a youth program – it’s a parish institution. An annual event for 17 years, the 30 Hour Famine invites participants to experience hunger, and to raise money for hunger relief.
Building Faith recently interviewed Jillianne Booth, the youth minister at St. John’s. On February 26th, she will once again lead about 100 teenagers and 25 adults in the 30 Hour Famine.
How would you describe the 30 Hour Famine?
30 Hour Famine is an event to raise awareness for hunger and homelessness. It is actually a nation-wide (and world-wide) program, which you can learn more about at 30hourfamine.org.
The event allows youth (middle school and high school) to fast for 30 straight hours – starting on Friday and continuing until Saturday evening. During the fast, we are all together here at the church. We worship, play games, and do service projects off campus. For many students, the most powerful part is building cardboard shelters to sleep in on Friday night. All the shelters on the front lawn of the church create a ‘cardboard village.’
What is the primary goal?
There are several goals of the 30 Hour Famine. Certainly to raise awareness for hunger worldwide, and to help our youth experience a short period of hunger. Additionally, students raise money for hunger relief by obtaining sponsorships from family and friends. The opportunity to raise money is something our church takes seriously. In 16 years we have raised over 1 million dollars – this will be year 17, and so we’re starting on the next million!
Overall, an important aspect of 30 Hour Famine is encouraging our youth to reach out to the circles of people around them. The students write personal letters to request sponsorships, and this itself is a powerful experience. Students see that can make a positive difference. Another example is that because students begin their fast on Friday during school hours, they often need to explain to their peers why they are not eating.
What ages does it work best for?
At our church, 30 Hour Famine is for grades 6-12. And I can tell you that the sixth graders handle it amazingly well. As the students get older, they can do the event every year. Some of the high school students even do a 40 Hour Famine, in which they start fasting at 2 a.m. Friday morning. In total, we have 75 to 100 students, along with 25-30 adults participating.
Around Saturday afternoon, the students do get really hungry. Of course, health and safety are priorities. We have many adult volunteers who provide support, as well as drinks, etc. We do provide some food, usually rice and beans, if students need it. But overall, they really begin to identify with those people who lack sufficient food. Throughout the event, we give our kids tools and statistics to understand hunger. We also have children’s profiles from World Vision that we show on the screen in the hall.
How do you break the fast?
We break our fast with Eucharist on Saturday evening. St John’s has a regular 5 p.m. Saturday service – so we all go to that service and the youth serve as readers, ushers, intercessors, and chalice bearers. The theme of our famine is worked into the service in various ways. After worship we have a big meal in the parish hall, with many volunteers from the church providing food and hospitality.
How do you involve the whole church community?
This is a signature event, and it has really become part of the DNA of the parish. Everyone knows about 30 Hour Famine, and we publicize it well in advance. For example, there is big sign on the church lawn with a countdown to the event. We have parish volunteers to set up, break down, cook food, and help lead service projects such as creating small bags to distribute to the homeless. We also have our night watch team that stays up on the front lawn on Friday.
Can you describe a student for whom it was a powerful experience?
We have a student who is in the 9th grade this year. He discover that he could promote the 30 Hour Famine if he he showed up at every church service and met people outside to talk about it. Even the early 7:30 a.m. service! He is there every Sunday, telling people about the Famine. To see his dedication, brought out by this event, is really moving.
Do you recommend the materials from 30hourfamine.org?
Yes, absolutely. We get the kit each year, which is free. When you sign up to do the famine, they send you materials which include lots of practical advice and planning tools. Because we have such a large event, however, we have many additional planning teams and committees (worship, food, etc). We make our own theme each year.
Any other tips and tricks?
• Get the support and buy-in from the leadership of your church.
• Then seek support and buy-in from the entire church community.
• Brainstorm with a planning team.
• Know that there are MANY little details. For example, where are we going to get the cardboard?!
• Consider a volunteer coordinator. This has been a life saver for me!
Do you have advice for someone thinking of running this program?
Just do it! Don’t be afraid. Don’t short-change your youth – they can do this. 30 Hour Famine is a convicting and moving experience; you will be glad you brought this powerful event to your church.
Jillianne Booth is the Youth Minister at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charlotte, NC. She has a Master’s in Christian Education from Pfeiffer University. Jillianne’s two beautiful children keep her busy and on her toes; she loves being a mom. In her spare time she tries to be like Rachael Ray and if she could have any other job in the world other than youth minister, it would be Rachael’s! Her other loves are Mexican food and flip flops.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Falling in Love with God
People who struggle to spend time with God don't have a scheduling problem, they have a love problem. Can we really fall in love with God? 100%, absolutely, yes! In fact, the formula for falling in love with Jesus is very simple ... falling in love with Jesus = time + attention.
So why is it so hard to do for some of us? It takes an extraordinary amount of work but God designed, planned, and created us for this work so we know it can absolutely be done! The effort is no different from many of the other challenging parts of a teenager's life. To be good at soccer or swimming, what does it take? To get good grades, what does it take? To have an engaging and fun social life, what does it take? To win or get the ultimate score on a video game, what does it take?
Practice, perseverance, commitment, time, and attention.
In our culture the word love gets thrown around A LOT! I love Mexican food. I love video games. I love my car. I love going shopping. I love Instagram. And on, and on, and on ... to the point that this word, love, has been kind of cheapened. It can be a challenge for teen's today to really grasp the true, intimate, and powerful meaning of love, especially hearing the words "God is love." Do we categorize that love with nachos, Call of Duty, and shoes or do we really get it?
Do we really understand, teach and model for our teens there is a God-sized hole in our hearts that ONLY the Holy Spirit can fill? Yes, it is possible to fall in love with God! It takes a ton of work. We as parents, youth advisors, and mentors can't make the teens we care so much about fall in love with God (as much as we'd like to sometimes). But we are called to make the introduction. We are called to teach and model teens how to love harder, engage more, make time, and most importantly to get over ourselves and be open to God's love.
Scripture is full of examples of God's love for us all. It is God's love letter to us. Don't know where to start with your teen in teaching them time + attention = falling in love with God? Start here:
Dear Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1). I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Psalm 139:2). I am familiar with all of your ways (Psalm 139:3). Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:29-31). For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27). In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring (Acts 17:28).
I knew you before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5). I chose you when I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12). You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16). I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26). I knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:15-16).
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me (John 8:41-44). I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16). And it is my desire to lavish my love on you; simply because you are my child and I am your father (1 John 3:1). I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7:11), for I am the perfect father (Matthew 5:48) .
Every good gift that you receive comes from my good hand (James 1:17). I am your provider and I want to meet all your needs (Matthew 6:31-33). My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). I will never stop doing good to you. I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32: 40-41). For you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5). And I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33:3).
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29). For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). I am also the one who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). When you are brokenhearted I am close to you (Psalm 34:18). As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah 40:11). One day, I will wipe every tear from your eyes and I’ll take away the pain you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21:3-4).
I am your father and I love you, even as I love my son, Jesus (John 17:23). He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Romans 8:31). Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). His death was the ultimate Expression of my love for you (1 John 4:10). I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans 8:31-32). If you receive the gift of my son, Jesus, you receive me (1 John 2:23). And nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Romans 8:38-39). When you come home, I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7).
I have always been God and will always be God (Ephesians 3:14-15). My question is, will you be mine (John 1:12-13)? I’m waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32)
<3, God Almighty
So why is it so hard to do for some of us? It takes an extraordinary amount of work but God designed, planned, and created us for this work so we know it can absolutely be done! The effort is no different from many of the other challenging parts of a teenager's life. To be good at soccer or swimming, what does it take? To get good grades, what does it take? To have an engaging and fun social life, what does it take? To win or get the ultimate score on a video game, what does it take?
Practice, perseverance, commitment, time, and attention.
In our culture the word love gets thrown around A LOT! I love Mexican food. I love video games. I love my car. I love going shopping. I love Instagram. And on, and on, and on ... to the point that this word, love, has been kind of cheapened. It can be a challenge for teen's today to really grasp the true, intimate, and powerful meaning of love, especially hearing the words "God is love." Do we categorize that love with nachos, Call of Duty, and shoes or do we really get it?
Do we really understand, teach and model for our teens there is a God-sized hole in our hearts that ONLY the Holy Spirit can fill? Yes, it is possible to fall in love with God! It takes a ton of work. We as parents, youth advisors, and mentors can't make the teens we care so much about fall in love with God (as much as we'd like to sometimes). But we are called to make the introduction. We are called to teach and model teens how to love harder, engage more, make time, and most importantly to get over ourselves and be open to God's love.
Scripture is full of examples of God's love for us all. It is God's love letter to us. Don't know where to start with your teen in teaching them time + attention = falling in love with God? Start here:
Dear Child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you (Psalm 139:1). I know when you sit down and when you rise up (Psalm 139:2). I am familiar with all of your ways (Psalm 139:3). Even the very hairs on your head are numbered (Matthew 10:29-31). For you were made in my image (Genesis 1:27). In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my offspring (Acts 17:28).
I knew you before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5). I chose you when I planned creation (Ephesians 1:11-12). You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book (Psalm 139:15-16). I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live (Acts 17:26). I knit you together in your mother’s womb. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:15-16).
I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me (John 8:41-44). I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love (1 John 4:16). And it is my desire to lavish my love on you; simply because you are my child and I am your father (1 John 3:1). I offer you more than your earthly father ever could (Matthew 7:11), for I am the perfect father (Matthew 5:48) .
Every good gift that you receive comes from my good hand (James 1:17). I am your provider and I want to meet all your needs (Matthew 6:31-33). My plan for your future has always been filled with hope (Jeremiah 29:11). I will never stop doing good to you. I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul (Jeremiah 32: 40-41). For you are my treasured possession (Exodus 19:5). And I want to show you great and marvelous things (Jeremiah 33:3).
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me (Deuteronomy 4:29). For I am your greatest encourager (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17). I am also the one who comforts you in all your troubles (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). When you are brokenhearted I am close to you (Psalm 34:18). As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart (Isaiah 40:11). One day, I will wipe every tear from your eyes and I’ll take away the pain you have suffered on this earth (Revelation 21:3-4).
I am your father and I love you, even as I love my son, Jesus (John 17:23). He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you (Romans 8:31). Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). His death was the ultimate Expression of my love for you (1 John 4:10). I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love (Romans 8:31-32). If you receive the gift of my son, Jesus, you receive me (1 John 2:23). And nothing will ever separate you from my love again (Romans 8:38-39). When you come home, I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen (Luke 15:7).
I have always been God and will always be God (Ephesians 3:14-15). My question is, will you be mine (John 1:12-13)? I’m waiting for you (Luke 15:11-32)
<3, God Almighty
Monday, January 4, 2016
Our Plans: God's Purpose
Are you a planner? Some people are, some people aren't! I tend to be a planner. Part of that is a function of my job as a youth minister: planning big events like the 30 Hour Famine or a weekend retreat, planning a Wednesday night Bible study or an EYC lesson, planning who I've missed seeing at EYC lately and want to check in on, planning how to find time to clean my house, do laundry, pack, and hang with my kiddos before heading out of town for the Winter Retreat, and so much more require lots of planning! I like to know what's happening, how it's going to (in theory) happen, when and where it's going to happen, and more! And when they are my plans ... I tend to fall in love with them and, for sure, have a hard time thinking they're not good! :)
That's not to say my plans (that I've been so in love with) haven't failed ...oh boy, have they! Sometimes they are little tiny fails that no one would really notices except for me ... like the time we planned a program using a black light and it went nothing like our team had planned. No one knew except for us and it turned out ok, just not at all what we had anticipated! And, sometimes the failing of plans are way more noticeable: like yesterday when I only printed 20 copies of my presentation on social media safety but had about 50 or 60 people attend the session. :)
We love our plans. We create them. They are good.
Joseph had plans. We've heard this story over the past few weeks, it being Christmas! Scripture tells us that Joseph had planned to quietly dismiss Mary when he found out she was pregnant. His mind was made up and he was ready to move forward. But what happened? An angel appears and tells him to change his plans! And we know, Joseph is obedient.
The wise men had plans! They had been instructed by Herod to go find the baby Jesus and return and tell him where He was to be found. The wise men agreed and proceeded with the plan. But what happened? They had a dream in which God told them to return home another way and not go to Herod. The wise men were obedient.
I had plans! The past four years working with Matt have been tremendous. I had no long-term plan of that changing. And, it was good!
You had plans in terms of the time you (and by you, I mean your kids) spend with Matt and how thankful you are for his leadership of youth ministry at SJE and wisdom.
To participate FULLY in God's purpose, sometimes we have to weak/change/re-direct our plans ... those plans we love so dearly and that are so good. Sometimes God swoops in to us just like Joseph and just like the wise men and changes our plans. We know from the story or Joseph and the wise men that it, too, will be worth it for us.
It seems to me that the most profound and impactful moments in our lives don't happen in an instance. Rather, God's plan and purpose for us is revealed over time. However, when we are in the midst of those instances and moments (especially when it involves a big change) it certainly doesn't feel that way. Changes can be tough to swallow because we don't necessarily like them, scary because we fear the unknown, or inconvenient because it wasn't the way we planned.
But to participate fully in God's plan, we must be obedient to God's purpose and plan. Some time months AND years from now, we will be able to look back on all of the moments and instances and piece God's plan together more fully! We'll be able to have a clear understanding of how one moment led to another moment that lead to another opportunity that led to another change that led to another instance. God's plan is good, it will all make sense, and the blessings will continue to be tremendous. I'm excited to obediently lead and guide us, through the Holy Spirit, down this particular path and am excited to watch Matt on his new path, too! Amen?
That's not to say my plans (that I've been so in love with) haven't failed ...oh boy, have they! Sometimes they are little tiny fails that no one would really notices except for me ... like the time we planned a program using a black light and it went nothing like our team had planned. No one knew except for us and it turned out ok, just not at all what we had anticipated! And, sometimes the failing of plans are way more noticeable: like yesterday when I only printed 20 copies of my presentation on social media safety but had about 50 or 60 people attend the session. :)
We love our plans. We create them. They are good.
Joseph had plans. We've heard this story over the past few weeks, it being Christmas! Scripture tells us that Joseph had planned to quietly dismiss Mary when he found out she was pregnant. His mind was made up and he was ready to move forward. But what happened? An angel appears and tells him to change his plans! And we know, Joseph is obedient.
The wise men had plans! They had been instructed by Herod to go find the baby Jesus and return and tell him where He was to be found. The wise men agreed and proceeded with the plan. But what happened? They had a dream in which God told them to return home another way and not go to Herod. The wise men were obedient.
I had plans! The past four years working with Matt have been tremendous. I had no long-term plan of that changing. And, it was good!
You had plans in terms of the time you (and by you, I mean your kids) spend with Matt and how thankful you are for his leadership of youth ministry at SJE and wisdom.
To participate FULLY in God's purpose, sometimes we have to weak/change/re-direct our plans ... those plans we love so dearly and that are so good. Sometimes God swoops in to us just like Joseph and just like the wise men and changes our plans. We know from the story or Joseph and the wise men that it, too, will be worth it for us.
It seems to me that the most profound and impactful moments in our lives don't happen in an instance. Rather, God's plan and purpose for us is revealed over time. However, when we are in the midst of those instances and moments (especially when it involves a big change) it certainly doesn't feel that way. Changes can be tough to swallow because we don't necessarily like them, scary because we fear the unknown, or inconvenient because it wasn't the way we planned.
But to participate fully in God's plan, we must be obedient to God's purpose and plan. Some time months AND years from now, we will be able to look back on all of the moments and instances and piece God's plan together more fully! We'll be able to have a clear understanding of how one moment led to another moment that lead to another opportunity that led to another change that led to another instance. God's plan is good, it will all make sense, and the blessings will continue to be tremendous. I'm excited to obediently lead and guide us, through the Holy Spirit, down this particular path and am excited to watch Matt on his new path, too! Amen?
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Science and Faith: Water and Prayer
Prayer is powerful.
Many of you may know I am from South Carolina and still own a house just outside of Columbia. My mom and sister live in that house! I bought it fourteen years ago ... one of the first "adult" things I did out of college and I LOVE my house. When the flooding happened last week in SC, the dam of the lake in the neighborhood just through the woods from my house was breached, sending water flowing toward my house. The pictures my mom sent me were shocking and not knowing if the water would continue to rise, I prayed.
We were extremely fortunate; the house did not flood. But the neighborhood I grew up in (in Columbia) did and a church I served in downtown Columbia took on water in both its buildings, friends from high school and churches I served lost lots. Over the past week, I was consumed and overwhelmed with all that was happening, watching status updates and pictures from people in Columbia I know, reading every news article I could find, and watching live news streaming from Columbia online. I was consumed.
Currently in our Sunday night youth ministry programs, we are tackling a topic in a two week series that our youth leadership team wanted to discuss: Faith and Science. For devotion on Sunday we kept with that theme and talked about the floods (science) and prayer (faith).
Water is mentioned over 700 times in the Bible. At EYC on Sunday night, our youth brainstormed many of those times! We talked about a news report out of Hurricane Katrina where people prayed over and upstream of a very polluted and contaminated Lake Ponchatrain. All of the toxic water in the city was pumped out and into the lake polluting it and killing things in the lake. People were no longer allowed to swim in it and scientists predicated it would take years and years to become decontaminated. Amazingly, the lake was healed much more quickly and scientists could not explain why. Prayer is powerful.
We also remembered some of the times that prayer is mentioned! Ephesians 6:18 says: "Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people." So that is exactly what SJE youth did on Sunday night! We prayed for South Carolina ... creatively.
We took water bottles and drew prayers on them! There were prayers of thanksgiving for relief workers, petitions for safety of South Carolinians in the aftermath of the flood, prayers of encouragement for those who lost so much, and more! Youth drew pictures, wrote words, and listened to the words of "How Great Thou Art" while putting together their prayers. The water in the bottles was colored with food coloring! This way when we face south (towards SC) and tossed the water out of the bottles, the youth could really see their prayers being released to God.
There are two lessons we hoped the youth would walk away form this devotion knowing. First, is that there are situations in our lives and the lives of others over which we have no control, bad or good. They can completely consume and overwhelm us if we allow them to do so. If we don't intentionally offer (i.e. seeing the colored water flow out of the bottles) and give petitions about those situations to God they will only continue to eat away and take over our daily lives. Secondly, prayer works and God ALWAYS answers. It might not always be the answer that we want or expect and it might not always happen in the timing we expect, but God does answer. Praying for others is important. Intentionally releasing our petitions is key.
Do you prayer as a family? For yourselves? For your family? For others?
What are you teaching your teens about prayer?
Do you talk about prayers you offered that were answered or not answered?
Are you modeling prayer for your teens?
Many of you may know I am from South Carolina and still own a house just outside of Columbia. My mom and sister live in that house! I bought it fourteen years ago ... one of the first "adult" things I did out of college and I LOVE my house. When the flooding happened last week in SC, the dam of the lake in the neighborhood just through the woods from my house was breached, sending water flowing toward my house. The pictures my mom sent me were shocking and not knowing if the water would continue to rise, I prayed.
We were extremely fortunate; the house did not flood. But the neighborhood I grew up in (in Columbia) did and a church I served in downtown Columbia took on water in both its buildings, friends from high school and churches I served lost lots. Over the past week, I was consumed and overwhelmed with all that was happening, watching status updates and pictures from people in Columbia I know, reading every news article I could find, and watching live news streaming from Columbia online. I was consumed.
Currently in our Sunday night youth ministry programs, we are tackling a topic in a two week series that our youth leadership team wanted to discuss: Faith and Science. For devotion on Sunday we kept with that theme and talked about the floods (science) and prayer (faith).
Water is mentioned over 700 times in the Bible. At EYC on Sunday night, our youth brainstormed many of those times! We talked about a news report out of Hurricane Katrina where people prayed over and upstream of a very polluted and contaminated Lake Ponchatrain. All of the toxic water in the city was pumped out and into the lake polluting it and killing things in the lake. People were no longer allowed to swim in it and scientists predicated it would take years and years to become decontaminated. Amazingly, the lake was healed much more quickly and scientists could not explain why. Prayer is powerful.
We also remembered some of the times that prayer is mentioned! Ephesians 6:18 says: "Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people." So that is exactly what SJE youth did on Sunday night! We prayed for South Carolina ... creatively.
We took water bottles and drew prayers on them! There were prayers of thanksgiving for relief workers, petitions for safety of South Carolinians in the aftermath of the flood, prayers of encouragement for those who lost so much, and more! Youth drew pictures, wrote words, and listened to the words of "How Great Thou Art" while putting together their prayers. The water in the bottles was colored with food coloring! This way when we face south (towards SC) and tossed the water out of the bottles, the youth could really see their prayers being released to God.
There are two lessons we hoped the youth would walk away form this devotion knowing. First, is that there are situations in our lives and the lives of others over which we have no control, bad or good. They can completely consume and overwhelm us if we allow them to do so. If we don't intentionally offer (i.e. seeing the colored water flow out of the bottles) and give petitions about those situations to God they will only continue to eat away and take over our daily lives. Secondly, prayer works and God ALWAYS answers. It might not always be the answer that we want or expect and it might not always happen in the timing we expect, but God does answer. Praying for others is important. Intentionally releasing our petitions is key.
Do you prayer as a family? For yourselves? For your family? For others?
What are you teaching your teens about prayer?
Do you talk about prayers you offered that were answered or not answered?
Are you modeling prayer for your teens?
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Joshua: Part 1
For devotions at EYC the second half of this year, I’ve been focusing on Old Testament characters. Last Sunday night was Joshua. You know … Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy … JOSHUA! A quick read of 24 chapters that includes lots of drama, rule breaking excitement, dreams becoming reality, lots of conquering and plundering and walls falling down, and even a one of a kind moment when God listens to the commands of a human (Joshua) and sets the sun still.
But what can we learn from the character of Joshua? Joshua, you know, the head dude of the Israelites after Moses died! The leader that is finally able to take the Israelites into the promised land and point them in the direction of success if only they will obey God. The story of Joshua truly is a story of human improbability versus God’s ability. Point and case, obstacles one and two in the Israelite quest of the promised land.
First, the Israelites need to cross the Jordan River in order to enter the promised land. But how does one get an entire nation of people (men, women, children, animals, supplies, etc.) across a river like the Jordan? Did I mention there was no bridge or boat?
(Picture from: https://gregorysmagee.wordpress.com/pictures-from-israel/01-13-jordan-river/)
God dries it up, of course! More to come in a future post on this! But once the Israelites had crossed the river, they faced the second obstacle … the city of Jericho.
(Picture from: http://www.womeninthebible.net/buildings_OT.htm)
In ancient warfare, the best position to have was one of holding the high ground. So when people looked for places to build their cities, they would look for a high hill with sharply sloping sides. Then at the top of the hill, they would build a wall around the tops of the hill and their homes inside the wall, further protecting themselves. When an enemy would want to try and overtake a city such as this, it would be tough to do! Here the Israelites find themselves! They are facing a giant, walled city that they know they must conquer but … how? Remember, they’ve just been wandering in the desert for 40 years! This must seem like quite the task!
One thing that worked to their advantage was the fact that Joshua had sent spies to check things out in Jericho! These spies had been hidden and protected by a woman in the village named Rahab. Rahab was a prostitute in the city of Jericho. While everyone else in the town was afraid of the Israelites, she offered them this protection because she believed that God had given the Israelites the land and because she wanted to strike a deal of protection for her family should a battle ensue. The spies were able to escape by using ropes to climb down the large city walls and they were able to return and report to Joshua.
When wanting to pursue a people behind a giant wall, an enemy could try to go over the walls but this would probably mean that many of their people would be killed trying to do so. The people at the top of the wall clearly have an advantage! This was not appealing to the Israelites, I’m sure. Another option would be to dig tunnels under the city. Frequently enemies would do this and then set the tunnels on fire hoping to burn the city down from the bottom up. Again, many lives would be lost in this venture due to tunnel collapse or being burned alive and it would take an enormous amount of time. I imagine the Israelites were anxious to get things going in the promised land so taking time to do this wasn’t really an option! An enemy could surround the city, eventually forcing the city in starvation when their rations and supplies become drained. But this, also, could take a very long time. A final option would be using trickery and then defeating the city once inside. An example of this is the Greeks on Troy when they sent in the wooden horse. The Israelites had been nomads for 40 years and didn’t have these kind of supplies.
But God offers a plan to Joshua. God tells Joshua to have the people walk around the city wall once a day for six days. On the seventh day, God instructs the Israelites to walk around the city seven times and then after the seventh lap give a loud cry. If they do this, God promises the people that the walls will then crumble, giving the Israelites the ability to conquer Jericho. I don’t know about you but I think this must have seemed like a pretty crazy plan! If God gave me some crazy plan like this, I’m not certain my first instinct would be to obey! It truly seemed like a waste of time. But Joshua was faithful and encouraged the people to follow this crazy plan. On the seventh day, after the seventh circle, the people gave a battle cry. The walls crashed down, and the Israelites were able to conquer the people of Jericho.
I think this story from Joshua offers several challenges to us today!
1. Trusting God to do the impossible in our lives and in the world is key. Without it the improbable won’t happen.
2. Sometimes the battle isn’t ours, it is God’s! We have to learn to trust and obey that plan, no matter how silly, ridiculous, or hard it may seem.
3. If God can use Rahab despite her bad habits, morals, and lifestyle, God can certainly use us.
The following is a really awesome video depicting the battle of Jericho. The song features a Christian artist, LeCrae (whom I like very much). As you watch the video, think of how you need to trust God for the improbable, what battles in your life do you need to let God fight, or how can God use you, like Rahab, to bring some thing, situation, or person into the fullness of all that God has in store for them?
But what can we learn from the character of Joshua? Joshua, you know, the head dude of the Israelites after Moses died! The leader that is finally able to take the Israelites into the promised land and point them in the direction of success if only they will obey God. The story of Joshua truly is a story of human improbability versus God’s ability. Point and case, obstacles one and two in the Israelite quest of the promised land.
First, the Israelites need to cross the Jordan River in order to enter the promised land. But how does one get an entire nation of people (men, women, children, animals, supplies, etc.) across a river like the Jordan? Did I mention there was no bridge or boat?
God dries it up, of course! More to come in a future post on this! But once the Israelites had crossed the river, they faced the second obstacle … the city of Jericho.
In ancient warfare, the best position to have was one of holding the high ground. So when people looked for places to build their cities, they would look for a high hill with sharply sloping sides. Then at the top of the hill, they would build a wall around the tops of the hill and their homes inside the wall, further protecting themselves. When an enemy would want to try and overtake a city such as this, it would be tough to do! Here the Israelites find themselves! They are facing a giant, walled city that they know they must conquer but … how? Remember, they’ve just been wandering in the desert for 40 years! This must seem like quite the task!
One thing that worked to their advantage was the fact that Joshua had sent spies to check things out in Jericho! These spies had been hidden and protected by a woman in the village named Rahab. Rahab was a prostitute in the city of Jericho. While everyone else in the town was afraid of the Israelites, she offered them this protection because she believed that God had given the Israelites the land and because she wanted to strike a deal of protection for her family should a battle ensue. The spies were able to escape by using ropes to climb down the large city walls and they were able to return and report to Joshua.
When wanting to pursue a people behind a giant wall, an enemy could try to go over the walls but this would probably mean that many of their people would be killed trying to do so. The people at the top of the wall clearly have an advantage! This was not appealing to the Israelites, I’m sure. Another option would be to dig tunnels under the city. Frequently enemies would do this and then set the tunnels on fire hoping to burn the city down from the bottom up. Again, many lives would be lost in this venture due to tunnel collapse or being burned alive and it would take an enormous amount of time. I imagine the Israelites were anxious to get things going in the promised land so taking time to do this wasn’t really an option! An enemy could surround the city, eventually forcing the city in starvation when their rations and supplies become drained. But this, also, could take a very long time. A final option would be using trickery and then defeating the city once inside. An example of this is the Greeks on Troy when they sent in the wooden horse. The Israelites had been nomads for 40 years and didn’t have these kind of supplies.
But God offers a plan to Joshua. God tells Joshua to have the people walk around the city wall once a day for six days. On the seventh day, God instructs the Israelites to walk around the city seven times and then after the seventh lap give a loud cry. If they do this, God promises the people that the walls will then crumble, giving the Israelites the ability to conquer Jericho. I don’t know about you but I think this must have seemed like a pretty crazy plan! If God gave me some crazy plan like this, I’m not certain my first instinct would be to obey! It truly seemed like a waste of time. But Joshua was faithful and encouraged the people to follow this crazy plan. On the seventh day, after the seventh circle, the people gave a battle cry. The walls crashed down, and the Israelites were able to conquer the people of Jericho.
I think this story from Joshua offers several challenges to us today!
1. Trusting God to do the impossible in our lives and in the world is key. Without it the improbable won’t happen.
2. Sometimes the battle isn’t ours, it is God’s! We have to learn to trust and obey that plan, no matter how silly, ridiculous, or hard it may seem.
3. If God can use Rahab despite her bad habits, morals, and lifestyle, God can certainly use us.
The following is a really awesome video depicting the battle of Jericho. The song features a Christian artist, LeCrae (whom I like very much). As you watch the video, think of how you need to trust God for the improbable, what battles in your life do you need to let God fight, or how can God use you, like Rahab, to bring some thing, situation, or person into the fullness of all that God has in store for them?
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