Speed With Direction...: November 2007

Friday, November 30, 2007

Who could argue with that?

I've mentioned my nephew a few times on my blog. He's pretty funny and pretty smart. On most Friday's, my day off, he spends time at my house. I enjoy every minute of it.

When he spends the night, we have a ritual that we go through. We read "How do Dinosaurs Say Good Night", "Where is the Green Sheep" and then we say prayers. We thank God for everyone he knows and for Jesus being his friend. Every time, no exceptions. (I may have tried to skip one of the books once, wrong move.)

Today he's just napping here. My sister dropped him off and it was straight to bed. Carson's going on the Polar Express tonight, so a good nap is needed. I had just tucked him in and was about to close the door when he pipped up with, "hey, I need my prayers!"

He didn't want the dinosaur book, or to hear about the green sheep. he wanted a quick word with God. Two years old and he already knows what's important.

What lessons do you learn from the kids around you?

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving

What am I thankful for on this day?

-Family that love me for who I am
-A boyfriend who understands me and still wants to hang out
-Friends, new and old who have made this last year so enjoyable
-A job which is better that I could have imagined and more fun than I deserve
-Good health. Something that I take for granted way too often
-A home...not everyone has one and mine is more than sufficient

I know that today isn't a great day for everyone. I was fortunate enough to have two places to go today and right now I'm more than full. There are some folks who had no where to spend the holiday. Or they didn't have the finances to fill a table like the one's I've enjoyed today.

I am blessed.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Vacation Time

My first full week of vacation in over a year started 5 minutes ago. I have no real plans other than unplugging my email and forwarding my phone calls. I also plan on eating everything not nailed down on Thursday.

Can't wait.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

A little bit retro

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...at least in the stores. Here in Ohio there are still green leaves on the trees. But sooner or later, the calender will actually catch up with the marketing. And then the question becomes what to get folks this year.

Kids these days are inundated with ads and commercials that hype every new toy like it's the ONLY thing that will make them complete. I look at these toys and long for the ones that I grew up with. The old standards, when to be a toy did not mean that you also had a Saturday morning cartoon (though it was a bonus). I know that every generation claims that "their" childhood was the best, but mine was pretty carefree. The most contested rule that I remember during grade school was our "24" hour Lincoln Log rule. We could build whatever we wanted in the living room, but it had to be taken down the same time next day. A lot of strategy was put into the exact time the Wild West was recreated.

I found a site that lists 13 All-Time Favorite Toys. It was a great trip down memory lane and it's inspired my own Christmas buying list for my nephew. Sure he's into Bob the Builder and Veggie Tales, and there's nothing wrong with that. But I plan to use this holiday season to open up his eyes to some oldies, but goodies. At least I know that if he doesn't enjoy them, I will. What's on your gift list for the children in your life?

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Feathers were flying!

I hope that you were able to make it to this weekend's KidStuf. If you did, you witnessed a real classic. It had everything that you could ever want, silly string, breakdancing, and both a pillow and popcorn fight. It was, to quote my small friend Phoenix, "AMAZING!!!"

Thanks to all the folks who help pull off KidStuf everyweek. You guys are "amazing" too.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Snow and Scripts

Two of my favorite things happened today. First it snowed today. Not a lot, and now for a long time. But it snowed...that's good enough for me.

Right now, Kevin and I are working KidStuf...stuff. (With some small interruptions) Writing for KidStuf has been an addition to my job since August and I LOVE IT! It's hard work and makes the week crazier but man the rewards are endless. I've been able to get some to know some amazing people and together we've meet some amazing challenges. Wow.

So all in all, right now, it's been a great day. It's days like today that makes me forget all the frustrating moments.

Can't wait till tomorrow.

Well Done

At NewPointe, we use 252Basics Curriculum to teach our K-4th graders. It's pretty awesome stuff because you can adjust it to fit your area and your church size. Part of the lessons include a take-home devotion for every child, every week. They're called God Times and we've really been working hard at showing the value of completing them every week. It's the perfect tool for parents to start spiritual conversations at home.

Usually we get back about 5-10 each hour. That's not too bad. I know that more kids do them than that. Every Sunday, Vern and I hear the excuses and we get to answer them.

"I left them in my Bible" - why isn't your Bible here at church?

"I did it but I forgot it in the van" - let's talk about the virtue of Discipline...

"I know this God Time is from 6 months ago but..." - nice try buddy.

So we've been really pushing both parents and kids to work on these devotions and then bring them in. And this weekend we had a new-record! 43 God Times rolled in the door. Velocity kids just rocked it! I'm so proud of both the kids and adults that made time with God a huge priority. The kids get to choose a physical reward but the spiritual rewards haven't even begun to be counted. Great job guys!

Speed With Direction...