Just plain FUN with KIDS (part 1 - waiting)

I am looking out my office window - it's 80 out, the waterslide is set-up down the hill, the huge inflatable slide is inflated and ready to go, hamburgers on the grill, hotdogs too, s'mores later tonight with Pastor Koby singing around the campfire.  All I can say is BRING ON THE KIDS!!

Water slide tonight...

Put Put Golf next Wednesday...

Bike Night the week after...

LOVE, LOVE LOVE having fun with the kids!!

Is there ever REST?

Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." 

It seems it was just spring and I was crazy busy working on VBS.  But it's August - WOW!!!  The summer is more than half way over - how did that happen??   

VBS was outstanding as usual!  We definitely had a WILD time learning about God's love for us - PandaMania will be remembered as the one with a crazy amount of kids...storytime in the SHED...Roman guards that scared even the adults...games that got us wet even when it wasn't raining...pandas flying everywhere...snack time ALL TOGETHER because of the rain...amazing music...fun @ Chadders...great lesson about eternity...cool crafts each day - oh, sometimes two :) ...and the best crew leaders EVER!!!  

Such a busy time, and I'm asked all the time if I am 'rested from VBS'.  But as soon as PandaMania was over, it was time for my son's wedding - only 3 weeks and lots to do still.  But July 23rd has come and gone.  It was such a gorgeous wedding...in the Gorge!  Congratulations Kevin & Lauren!!

So now is it time to rest??  No, now it's time to get serious about the plans for Toni and Adam's wedding.  September 24th is just around the corner and there are invitations to make and mail... decorations to plan and make and pack... reception planning... favor making... showers... flowers... and so much more!

Maybe there is time to rest after that.... oh wait, then it's time for Light the Night, a new baby's appearance - can't wait!, Praise Feast, Thanksgiving, Christmas...

My strength comes from the LORD!!!! :) Janna

God spoke through the Prophets

As I'm working on my lesson for tonight, I am searching the bible for words spoken through the prophets of Jesus birth, life, death and resurrection.  These are such powerful lessons for adults to learn.  Is this lesson too difficult for my class of kindergartners through 3rd graders?  Will I be able to help them realize that God used prophets to prepare people and their hearts for Jesus' coming to Earth?  Lord help me to teach these kids how important it is for us to share God's message with others as well.  Janna

Can you say the books of the Bible in order?

My goal and challenge for my Wednesday night kids this year is to memorize the books of the Bible. 

The way I taught my kids was through song so I began a search to find just the right song.  That was a challenge in itself!  I ended up using the Wee Sing Bible Songs version.  We started with the Old Testament.  Every Wednesday night I play the CD over and over again.  I told them that I want them to hear it so much that it gets 'stuck in their head'.   It's working!  Last night one little girl (who can't read yet) sang the song to me before I even started playing it.  She got every book pronounced right and didn't miss a beat!  That was followed by another who wanted to 'show off' as well!  Yay!!!  Thank you God for these simple pleasures in ministry!  <3 Janna

SUMMERTIME :)

It's been a great summer so far. 

It began with a busy, fun-filled, energetic week at High Seas Expedition!  Over 243 kids learned from God's Word, sang amazing songs, played awesome games, saw Bible stories come alive, shared snacks, got crafty...and made life-long friends!  I can't say it enough, we have the BEST team of VBS leaders here at Liberty who know how to share the love of Jesus with kids!!!

During the past few weeks, I've seen amazing pictures of family vacations, heard about fun camping adventures and watch the smiles from the kids as they share their summertime experiences!  I've had a few of my own stories to share and though I don't want summer to end (I'm kind of fond of 90 degree weather!!), I am excited to have everyone back together for a normal fall routine. 

As families are getting geared up for back-to-school, I pray for the hearts and minds of each and every one.  God go before our young ones, guide and protect them.  Give them your courage and strength to make the right choices every day.  Give them Godly friends and wise teachers and the love and patience of their parents for another year of school.