Sunday School: Bags for the homeless

In keeping with our theme this month for serving others, I had the kids make a bag to give to a home less person (or maybe one of the veterans you see asking for money).  If money was not an option then I would be able to make hundreds of these to take to the local shelter and include so much more... but, I live in reality and so just had each child make one bag (although I did also get my mom's class and one other class to do this too!) I found some free printable Gospel Tracts here and had the kids include those in the bags.  I also printed off some Bible verses that the kids can tape on to various items. All in all 18 bags were made!  Here is what I've got:

Bottled Water 
 Bible Verse:  Jesus said, "Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst -not ever.  John 4:14

Pair of Socks
And the same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:19

Protein Bar  
I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.  Philippians 4:13

Peanut Butter Crackers
Then Jesus said, "I am the bread that gives life.  No one who comes to me will ever be hungry.  No one who believes in me will ever be thirsty.  John 6:35

Hand/Foot Warmers
He will cover you with feathers and under His wing you will find refuge. His truth is your shield and refuge.  Psalm 91:4

I want to wish you all a merry Christmas.  Please pray for the families who have lost loved ones in the Connecticut school shooting.  I can't even begin to imagine how devastated the parents of the killed babies must be.

Sunday School: The Christmas Cookie Gospel

I love being able to focus on the needs of others, especially during the Christmas season.  While my class is grades 1 and 2, I find that they are at the best age to be excited about the Gospel.  I've noticed that these are the grades where the kids are less fearful of being judged by others.  Their gift is enthusiasm and they are so excited about being able to be in heaven with everyone they love.  Once kids get older, they are a bit more timid about doing something out of their comfort zone.  We decided to have the kids share the Gospel with someone by way of Christmas cookies.  I gleaned from a few ideas but pretty much this is mine so if you borrow it I would appreciate the credit and a link back here!

You may notice that we are missing one cookie... the Christmas tree.  Yes, I'm a bone head and totally forgot to cut that one out!  

Christmas Tree: We find presents underneath the Christmas tree. Christ loved us so much that he was born that He could die for us on an old rugged tree to take away our sin. This is s the best gift anyone can ever receive! 

" For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 

Angel: Throughout the Bible, God uses angels to deliver His messages for us.

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12

Star: The angel told the three wise men to follow the star and, when they did, it took them to Bethlehem where they found our Lord. God wants us to share our gifts, too.

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him." Matthew 2:1-2

Heart: The heart represents love. Do you know that God loves you and He loved you so much He gave you a sacrificial gift, His Son, Jesus Christ. 

For God so Loved the World that He gave His one and only son. That whoever should believe upon Him shall have eternal life. John 3:16

Cross: The cross represents life and Jesus. It is the reason why we celebrate Christmas. Jesus grew up and He learned to walk and talk and become a man. He went to the cross and died for our sins- past present and future. When we believe in Him, He forgives u s our sins and gives us eternal life. 

But God demonstrates his love for us in this:, While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Dove: The dove represents God’s Spirit. The Spirit of Jesus lives within us when we believe and receive Him into our life, which means we are never alone. God is always with us, to love and comfort us.

So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It’s as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us. 2 Timothy 1:13-14

Candle: The candle represents light. The Bible tells us we are to let our light shine. Our faith, thoughts, and feelings are to be full of light. Christmas gives us a special opportunity to let our light shine. We can tell others about Jesus and that Christmas is His birthday.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Snowman: If we receive Christ and confess Him as Lord, our sins will be washed whiter than snow.

Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18

Church: A church is more than a building. It is a place where we can go to worship God our Father and fellowship among other believers. As believers we need to be there for each other so that we may encourage one another and hold each other accountable.

Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God which he bought with his own blood. Acts 20:28

the cookies completed, wrapped and a sheet of paper printed with the above message

Of course, the kids had to reward themselves with one final cookie.  They got to decorate and eat a gingerbread man (sugar cookie).  They really loaded the cookies up!

Let the Christmas Season Begin :-)

I just love Christmas and it isn't uncommon for me to be watching Christmas movies and listening to Christmas songs year round.  This time of the year the Hallmark channel becomes my favorite television channel.  Yep, I'm one of those people.
I wish everyone in the family loved Christmas like I do.  My mom does (she lives with us) and so does my husband... but my son, well..... he really REALLY struggles with this time of year.  Part of it has to do with seasonal depression but also with his autism.  He finds so much fault, with himself, that he feels guilty receiving gifts. If he appreciates the gift then he feels guilty because he thinks he must of come off needy to the other person.  ACK!! His black and white world drives me crazy at times!  This year he also has the stress of college - which has been a major undertaking for him.  On top of that, he is frustrated with the ehlers-danlos syndrome and his joints popping out all the time on him.  How that boy has managed to not break his neck on the stairs is just by God's hand.  So if any of you are praying people... can you keep my son in your prayers.  Thanks!
This year I'm going to focus on the art of giving with my Sunday School class. I could not have asked for better planning myself, with a special missionary guest speaker at our church last Sunday.  I had the kids join the adult class and we listened to him share about his ministry in Tanzania.  His main focus is children's ministry but he also does so much more.
Next week the kids will be putting together bags for the homeless.  I found the idea on Pinterest (Oh how I love that site!!!) and we will be putting in a bottle of water, hand warmers, protein bars, peanut butter crackers, toothpaste, toothbrush and a Gospel tract.  I know that there are many other wonderful items out there we could put in and I wish that I had the money to add socks, gloves and hats, ect....
The following week the kids are going to decorate cookies for two families I know of that could use the holiday cheer.  They will also make a card for them and I will be putting together some baking items for the families to use for their own holiday baking.
Our last week (right before Christmas) We are going to put together small care packages for church members that have lost loved ones this year, people with medical needs, and those that have been home-bound. Again, simple little gifts but it will encourage the children to look beyond their own needs.  I'll update this a bit later with some pictures... for now I just wanted to share the ideas.
When it comes down to it, we all have the opportunity to enjoy the greatest gift of all; God's gift of His Son Jesus Christ.  He is the best thing we ever unwrapped! So take the time to thank or Lord and Savior - He is always available and loves to hear from us.

My new favorite Christmas song:  By Francesca Battistelli

Heaven Everywhere

I hear the bells, they're ringing loud and clear

You can't help but love this time of year

It's Christmastime, there's something in the air

There's a little bit of heaven everywhere

Somehow there's a little more of love

And maybe there's a little less of us

Or maybe we're just slightly more aware

There's a little bit of heaven everywhere

[Chorus:]It's the smile on a man who has finally found hope

It's the tears of a mother whose child has come home

It's the joy that we feel and the love that we share

There's a little bit of heaven everywhere

There's a little bit of heaven everywhere

It's funny how it takes a holiday

To show us how the world could truly change

If we all took the time to really care

There'd be a little more of heaven everywhere [Chorus]

It's the grace that we show to a world that needs hope

It's giving our lives knowing they're not our own

It's the joy that we feel and the love that we share

There's a little bit of heaven everywhere

There's a little bit of heaven everywhere

[Bridge:]Angels we have heard on high

Sweetly singing o'er the plain

And the mountains in reply

Echoing their joyous strains

Hallelujah, hallelujah

It's the joy that we feel and the love that we share

There's a little bit of heaven everywhere

There's a little bit of heaven everywhere

There's a little bit of heaven everywhere

and so it begins.....

     Welcome to my blog. I'm trying to phase out another blog I had (http://letstrythese.blogspot.com)I had going all about food and thought that I would remain silent. Writing must be in my blood though (not grammar so please be kind!) as I find solace through writing. I don't think I have anything exactly profound to say... maybe it won't even be interesting to any one else but me...But I went to bed last night with this thought of a new Bible study I will be leading by Priscilla Shirer, on the book of Jonah.  I just love the title of her book; Life Interrupted:Navigating the Unexpected.  That is and has been my life in a nutshell...Life interrupted... the unexpected...
      My life is typical of everyone else's life.  As the book of Ecclesiastes has taught me, there is nothing new under the sun.  Will my life may have different twists than yours, I also know that your life has been its own fun filled twisted journey.  We go through our lives facing the unexpected.  Sometimes those unexpected things are just a minor glitch while other times they are a major interruption!
     This past year has been one interruption after another: Three surgeries in seven months, a child going through divorce, medical bills, adult children moving back home (one hasn't left yet as he has Asperger's Syndrome, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, OCD and the list goes on).  Chaos abounds most days but I know that God is strong enough to handle everything!
     I'm married 27 years to the most amazing man(such a cliche, I know. But he really is!) and have three grown children plus one absolutely adorable grand sweetie.  The oldest is one of two sons and is looking for employment. Our middle child is the lone daughter and then there is our youngest who is the remaining son.
     My husband and I are part of several ministries in our church.  We are especially active in children's ministries where together we teach the First and Second grade Sunday school class.  Love love love those kids, 'nuff said :-)  I also direct our weekly preschool AWANA Cubbies program, run the nursery, teach Bible studies and do whatever else God leads me to.

Part of the fun of teaching is decorating the classroom.  We change it up a few times a year but here are some pics of the classroom decorated right now:

idea from Pinterest

     I'm so excited about starting this blog... I look forward to meeting with those who choose to join me on this crazy ride!
Vivian
Galatians 5:5

Happy Easter Everyone!!!! Father, Son and Holy Spirit Cupcakes

My mom's Sunday School class has been working on learning about how 

God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit and she asked me to make cupcakes with a representation of them.... uh sure, no problem. Thinking of a way to do that should be easy peasy! Here's what I came up with.....

Exodus 3:5 "Do not come any closer," God said. "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." 6Then he said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob." At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

Luke 3: 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."

Matthew 27:35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

 Have a Happy Easter everyone!!!!!!