Was driving my five year old daughter to preschool last week. We usually listen to KLOVE or to contemporary Christian music - but on this particular morning I thought I would get a bit of sports news, so I grabbed the knob to turn the station. After all, I looked in the mirror to see Hannah playing with her doll. Right then - a song came on KLOVE "Open the Eyes of My Heart" I think it was - right then I heard her little voice start singing along! The next song was her favorite - the FFH song, "Fly Away". She sang every word while continuing to play with her doll.
Needless to say, Hannah and I had a great time of worship in the car. It reminded me of the power of music on a little heart. She has heard those songs over and over. The words have pentrated her little heart. It also reminds me that our little ears are listening, even when we think they've tuned out.
The eyes of my heart were opened! Parents, lets be wise to use whatever we can to pour Christian values into our children so one day they will fly away! That's the only score that counts!
Monday, February 28, 2005
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Because of Winn-Dixie
Need a movie idea? Been wanting to take your kids to see a movie but can't find one suitable? I share your struggle.
Since our kids were out of school on Monday, I took my 14 year old daughter to see "Because of Winn-Dixie". I was suprised! It is a heart warming story which centers around a Baptist minister's daughter and her relationship with a dog named "Winn-Dixie." Lots of great themes come out in the story.
So, make a date with your child. Take them to see a great movie. Have some ice cream after. The conversation you have about the movie will be the cherry on top!
Now, my five year old has been asking when she and I are going to see the Heffalump Movie! Sounds like a date to me.
Since our kids were out of school on Monday, I took my 14 year old daughter to see "Because of Winn-Dixie". I was suprised! It is a heart warming story which centers around a Baptist minister's daughter and her relationship with a dog named "Winn-Dixie." Lots of great themes come out in the story.
So, make a date with your child. Take them to see a great movie. Have some ice cream after. The conversation you have about the movie will be the cherry on top!
Now, my five year old has been asking when she and I are going to see the Heffalump Movie! Sounds like a date to me.
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Redefining Small Groups
Here at the Southside Church we've redefined what we mean by the term "small group". What we were calling small groups were the groups that got together for purpose of Bible study/fellowship.
During the last year we have had to revise our definition of what a small group is and does.
For example, on Sunday evening we have a group of women who get together to work on their scrapbooks. Some bring a friend. Is that a small group? Under our new understanding, yes!
Another example would be our Tuesday playgroup. On Tuesday, parents bring their preschoolers to McDonald's (yes, we've seen "Super Size Me". We believe the Holy Spirit will protect us!) for a time to be together. We've had some parents and their children who were at McD's to join us! The parents sit around for a few hours sharing their lives. Is that a small group? Yes!
Now, we add in our prayer groups, work groups, etc. and include them in our small group ministry! We are always looking for a "new" kind of small group to emerge! This new definition has given new life to our small groups. It has opened door of opportunity for seekers to have a non-threatening way to interact with believers. We still have the "traditional" Bible study/fellowship groups - and they are needed! Our broader deifintion of what a small group is has brought new life and vision to our small group ministry.
I would encourage you to read "Fly Fishing, Dog Training and Outreach in the 21 Century" by Ted Haggard. His church has over 800 small groups of all shapes and sizes!
How would this definition of small groups impact your congregation? What possible small group interest would come out of your context? I would love to hear some of your ideas! We're just scratching the surface here - we have a long way to go!
During the last year we have had to revise our definition of what a small group is and does.
For example, on Sunday evening we have a group of women who get together to work on their scrapbooks. Some bring a friend. Is that a small group? Under our new understanding, yes!
Another example would be our Tuesday playgroup. On Tuesday, parents bring their preschoolers to McDonald's (yes, we've seen "Super Size Me". We believe the Holy Spirit will protect us!) for a time to be together. We've had some parents and their children who were at McD's to join us! The parents sit around for a few hours sharing their lives. Is that a small group? Yes!
Now, we add in our prayer groups, work groups, etc. and include them in our small group ministry! We are always looking for a "new" kind of small group to emerge! This new definition has given new life to our small groups. It has opened door of opportunity for seekers to have a non-threatening way to interact with believers. We still have the "traditional" Bible study/fellowship groups - and they are needed! Our broader deifintion of what a small group is has brought new life and vision to our small group ministry.
I would encourage you to read "Fly Fishing, Dog Training and Outreach in the 21 Century" by Ted Haggard. His church has over 800 small groups of all shapes and sizes!
How would this definition of small groups impact your congregation? What possible small group interest would come out of your context? I would love to hear some of your ideas! We're just scratching the surface here - we have a long way to go!
Monday, February 21, 2005
Why are you a Christian?
I would highly recommend Brian McLaren's new book, "A Generous Orthodoxy". I recommend it, not because I agree with everything he says, but because the book makes you think.
Here is his thoughts on why he is a Christian:
"I am a Christian because I have confidence in Jesus Christ –in all his dimensions
(those I know and those I don\'t). I trustJesus. I think Jesus is right because
I believe God was in Jesus in anunprecedented way. Through Jesus I have entered
into a real, experiential relationship with God as Father, and I have receivedGod's
Spirit into my life. I have experienced the love of God throughJesus, and as the old
hymn says, "love so amazing, so divine, demandsmy heart, my life, my all." As I
seek to follow Jesus as my leader, guide, and teacher, I believe I am experiencing life
in its fullest dimensions – full of joyand love, and yes, full of struggle and challenge, too. For all these reasons and more, I love Jesus. I believe Jesus embraces me and you
and the whole world in the love of God."
So, why are you a Christian (if you are)? Sometime in the next few days, sit down and ask yourself that very question. If you don't mind, share your answer with me?
Here is his thoughts on why he is a Christian:
"I am a Christian because I have confidence in Jesus Christ –in all his dimensions
(those I know and those I don\'t). I trustJesus. I think Jesus is right because
I believe God was in Jesus in anunprecedented way. Through Jesus I have entered
into a real, experiential relationship with God as Father, and I have receivedGod's
Spirit into my life. I have experienced the love of God throughJesus, and as the old
hymn says, "love so amazing, so divine, demandsmy heart, my life, my all." As I
seek to follow Jesus as my leader, guide, and teacher, I believe I am experiencing life
in its fullest dimensions – full of joyand love, and yes, full of struggle and challenge, too. For all these reasons and more, I love Jesus. I believe Jesus embraces me and you
and the whole world in the love of God."
So, why are you a Christian (if you are)? Sometime in the next few days, sit down and ask yourself that very question. If you don't mind, share your answer with me?
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