DLmail 10/08/2008 Change for the Future

CHANGE. Seems to be the "in" thing these days. So I can't be called rigid, I am changing the way I distribute the information contained in my weekly DLmail. And I am getting a thumbs up from rabid young republican Emi. The 1.2 megapixels of my phone camera didn't do her new sweatshirt justice, it reads "Wake Up America...Vote Palin for VP." My guess...if she were old enough to vote, she would likely go with McCain...just a guess.

Whereas Emi boldly proclaims her leanings, I tend to take my queue from the wise deputy sheriff of Mayberry, Barney Fife as he eloquently stated "How I vote mister is my business." Besides, everyone laughs when I tell them I am voting for Harold Greene as a write in candidate. I don't even know if he wants the job, but the guy can sure play guitar.

So Emi, this video clip of Bob Hope from 1940, is for you. Enjoy.

Last weekend was another great weekend of the whole church Kingdom series. We missed Melissa who was home ailing, but Zach Van B showed on back to back Saturdays and along with Kevin, Monica and Tim, the adult to kid ratio was great. We even tripled the number of Livin It's that came back (of course we went from just one to three, but it is a start). Remember, be sure to spend plenty of time connecting with the kids, really getting to know them, reinforcing the teach time and praying with them. They need you to model prayer*, so don't let time get away from you and miss this most important part of small group time.

The small group info for this coming Saturday can be downloaded at this link.

http://www.nwoods.org/storyWithChart.asp?storyid=598

Growing as a King's Kid

*Bible story is Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, Matt. 6:5-15

Memory verse "Pray continually." I Thessalonians 5:17

Expect larger numbers of kids to begin coming on Saturday nights. By November our numbers are usually much higher as the fall outdoor activities will wane with our shorter daylight hours.

Housekeeping note. Kevin and Monica must miss on Nov. 6th. Tim, Melissa, Zach...can you arrange to be there on that date? If not I will arrange for subs, and may do so anyway, but if I know you are able to be there, that really helps.

Back to last weekend. Keith L. did a great job of going through the fruits of the spirit. The kids seemed very attentive and I trust that they carried that into the small group time. I didn't get around much during that time as I was kept busy cleaning the stage from the pie. Oh that pie. Keith did a great job of illustrating a lack of self control with it. I simply enjoyed smashing it into his face. Is that wrong? It was another moment when I wish I had remembered to bring my camera. I pushed that pie onto his face so hard I know I saw banana cream come out of his ears. Anyway, last weekend's lesson, along with Cal's mainstage message (found here if you missed it http://www.nwoods.org/media/player.html) really got me thinking. You don't know it, but there is a 350 lb. man that lives inside of me who constantly begs for food. God doesn't just put the fruits of the spirit within us, he gives us the opportunity to use our fruits. Keith was drawn to the pie, Cal was stuck next to patience provokers on airplanes, I wanted the pie Keith wanted. So many chances to practice our faith. Recently my family was treated to homemade ice cream and apple pie. Oh man, I could have eaten the entire pie, both pies, and all the ice cream. Then my man inside would have begged for something salty, like chips, pizza or hot dogs. Kobayashi and Joey Chestnut have nothing on me regarding certain foods. I have to practice self control constantly and last weekend was a great reminder.

It goes farther too. Don't forget we are being watched as we practice our fruits. We as Christians are held to a high standard as we live our human lives. So while the hungry guy inside me begs me to make another trip to the concession stand at our next football game, or the same guy, angry from hunger, wants me to yell at the refs or talk down about some players lack of ability, I will remember our lessons from last weekend and try to practice what was preached. People, kids, they are watching us. Walk the talk.