I am finding that my schedule is once again digressing from the normal 'go bed at a decent time so I can be up, showered, and ready to go by 8:00am' to my more natural 'stay up until about 2:00am and sleep in until 9:30'. This really is not good when you have kids. Now that school is out Rachel could easily follow the same schedule--and often does, but Ryan never sleeps past 8:30am and is usually up before 7:00. The problem is that he is creative and very independent--yes that is a nice way of saying he gets into everything!!
Being a conscientious educator, I have encouraged him to get up and let the dog out, feed her, and watch television quietly. He invariably adds making himself breakfast--which always messy no matter how I try to prepare for him the night before. Some sarcastic, violent cartoon is usually substituted for the educational TV program we discussed, and more often than not he can't resist running out into the backyard in his underwear chasing the dog who is loudly barking. All of this to say that staying up half the night is rarely followed by a restful 'sleep in' morning. None the less, my nights are getting later and later.
Over the weekend I found myself up particularly late one night. I was Internet surfing, playing spider solitaire, and halfway watching an old movie. Everyone in the house was sound asleep including the dog. About 2:23 am the silence was broken by the high pitched sound of a little voice. At first I thought I imagined it, but then a few minutes later I heard it again. Just a few words but enough to make my heart beat a bit faster.
Years ago I decided that I would not live my life in fear as that is the antitheses of faith, but when you hear these kinds of noises in the night it takes a little reminding. The fact that Ellie was sound asleep and not barking her head off gave comfort because had it been a real threat she would definitely announced it. I carefully walked into the hallway between our bedroom and the family room and waited. No more voices spoke for several minutes so I decided all must be well and went to bed.
The next day, Ryan and I were reading in the family room when the voices started again. This time it was clear to me that the voices were coming from the corner of the Family Room where I have two baskets of toys; one for each of my nieces who come often to visit. There right in the middle of one of baskets was a red Sesame Street stuffed toy--Tickle Me Elmo--to be exact and it was talking. The mystery was solved and Ryan calmly said, "Oh listen mom, Savannah Grace forgot to turn off Elmo, I'll do it." I was immediately transported mentally to a little house on Third Street in Arkansas City, Kansas where I lived with my family when I was 5 years old. I had been given a 'Chatty Cathy' doll for Christmas that I dearly loved. By about March she no longer talked, even when I pulled the string in her back. I kept her in a cradle by my bed and one night as I was almost asleep, she suddenly said, "I love you". I remember lying there in such terror. I wanted to scream, or run to my mom in the next room or something, but instead I just laid there paralyzed with fear.
I wonder how many times we as adults allow situations, or relationships to paralyze us with fear, when all we have to do is open our eyes of faith and see that our fears are completely unfounded. Sometimes I think we even allow our fears to prevent us from expressing our love and worship to God. We try to keep our relationship with Him private so as to 'not offend anyone'; we keep our worship very controlled so as to 'not draw attention to ourselves'; we even fail to openly give thanks for our food because of what others might think.
I've learned that most things that go bump in the night, usely just lie there during the day, and life is too short to allow any kind of fear to prevent us living out our lives of faith to the fullest.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Monday, May 21, 2007
A Sacred Gathering
Last Friday evening Edgar and I celebrated what might be my favorite birthday to date. We went to my favorite eatery--Sweet Tomatoes, then we went to Northpoint Community Church for what was called a Sacred Gathering--wow.
This event was not widely publicized, in fact most of my friends up at Brown's Bridge (where we attend) were unaware of it. I think with 3 campuses and multiple services, the number of people now attending on a regular basis, over 27,000 total, it is unreasonable to open the invitation to all three campuses, but I am so glad we heard about it. It was a service, not a ticketed event, and it was amazing.
We arrived a little early and the auditorium doors were not yet opened. (I still think is so cool to attend a church where people line up outside the doors at each service waiting to go in). When we did enter, we noticed several "stations" of tables with candles, white linens, and the Lord's Supper juice trays and round loaves of bread. Since it was my birthday, Edgar conceded to let us sit near the front--I don't see too well when we are in the back. The light's were low and Bill was playing lovely music on the piano. As the room filled, Edgar commented how happy people here are. It is true, there was a sense of peaceful joy in the room.
Promptly at 8:00 three ladies came with stools and the singing began. First a solo, then a couple of duets and a trio. All hymns about the cross including one of my favorites, In Christ Alone. Next the ladies left the stage and we began congregational singing with Todd Fields on guitar, two other instrumentalists--one on cello, and one using snare sticks on the bongos. One of the ladies also joined Todd in singing. The tempo picked up a little and the songs still focused on the cross.
In the center of the stage was a large metal, back lighted cross suspended about 10" off the ground. The sacred part of the evening was unfolding with each song as we collectively and musically meditated on the loving sacrifice of our Savior. Most of the time events at the Northpoint Ministries campuses are termed "foyer" events. They are designed for regulars to bring guests to a safe and comfortable environment to just see what it is all about. This was definitely different. This Gathering was designed for believers who have a relationship with their Heavenly Father.
When Andy got up to speak, he drew attention to the scriptures where the angels first announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds and reminded us that the 'Good News' was to all people. He then challenged us to really focus on the all for whom Jesus came. He reminded us that while it is 'a really cool way to spend a Friday evening' and it is important to spend time intimately communing with the Father around the table we have come to know as the Lord's Supper, it is also critical that we never lose sight of the all. He then asked us if there was a least one person we know who is not a believer. Then he asked the really uncomfortable question: are we actively petitioning God for the salvation of that individual? I immediately thought of one of our neighbors. We have come to know the father and are beginning to know the rest of the family. They are good people, but they do not know the Lord and we have been inviting them to church. I look forward to the day when they connect with our Heavenly Father; I am trusting God for that day to come soon.
We spent sometime praying aloud in small groups and then in a very orderly and respectful fashion stood and each row was guided to one of the tables where we could take a cup and piece of bread. As we came back to our seats to meditate and individually partake of the elements there was a hush in the room exceptt for the piano music.
Once everyone finished the music began to pick up tempo and become more celebratory. The next 30 to 40 minutes over 2500 worshippers filled the room and I'm sure the heavens with praise and adoration unparalleled. Kristian Stanfill, Steve Fee, Eddie Kirkland, Todd Fields, and several other musicians led a time of music and worship that honored God and inspired His people. It was truly a Sacred Gathering, and an awesome birthday date!
This event was not widely publicized, in fact most of my friends up at Brown's Bridge (where we attend) were unaware of it. I think with 3 campuses and multiple services, the number of people now attending on a regular basis, over 27,000 total, it is unreasonable to open the invitation to all three campuses, but I am so glad we heard about it. It was a service, not a ticketed event, and it was amazing.
We arrived a little early and the auditorium doors were not yet opened. (I still think is so cool to attend a church where people line up outside the doors at each service waiting to go in). When we did enter, we noticed several "stations" of tables with candles, white linens, and the Lord's Supper juice trays and round loaves of bread. Since it was my birthday, Edgar conceded to let us sit near the front--I don't see too well when we are in the back. The light's were low and Bill was playing lovely music on the piano. As the room filled, Edgar commented how happy people here are. It is true, there was a sense of peaceful joy in the room.
Promptly at 8:00 three ladies came with stools and the singing began. First a solo, then a couple of duets and a trio. All hymns about the cross including one of my favorites, In Christ Alone. Next the ladies left the stage and we began congregational singing with Todd Fields on guitar, two other instrumentalists--one on cello, and one using snare sticks on the bongos. One of the ladies also joined Todd in singing. The tempo picked up a little and the songs still focused on the cross.
In the center of the stage was a large metal, back lighted cross suspended about 10" off the ground. The sacred part of the evening was unfolding with each song as we collectively and musically meditated on the loving sacrifice of our Savior. Most of the time events at the Northpoint Ministries campuses are termed "foyer" events. They are designed for regulars to bring guests to a safe and comfortable environment to just see what it is all about. This was definitely different. This Gathering was designed for believers who have a relationship with their Heavenly Father.
When Andy got up to speak, he drew attention to the scriptures where the angels first announced the birth of Christ to the shepherds and reminded us that the 'Good News' was to all people. He then challenged us to really focus on the all for whom Jesus came. He reminded us that while it is 'a really cool way to spend a Friday evening' and it is important to spend time intimately communing with the Father around the table we have come to know as the Lord's Supper, it is also critical that we never lose sight of the all. He then asked us if there was a least one person we know who is not a believer. Then he asked the really uncomfortable question: are we actively petitioning God for the salvation of that individual? I immediately thought of one of our neighbors. We have come to know the father and are beginning to know the rest of the family. They are good people, but they do not know the Lord and we have been inviting them to church. I look forward to the day when they connect with our Heavenly Father; I am trusting God for that day to come soon.
We spent sometime praying aloud in small groups and then in a very orderly and respectful fashion stood and each row was guided to one of the tables where we could take a cup and piece of bread. As we came back to our seats to meditate and individually partake of the elements there was a hush in the room exceptt for the piano music.
Once everyone finished the music began to pick up tempo and become more celebratory. The next 30 to 40 minutes over 2500 worshippers filled the room and I'm sure the heavens with praise and adoration unparalleled. Kristian Stanfill, Steve Fee, Eddie Kirkland, Todd Fields, and several other musicians led a time of music and worship that honored God and inspired His people. It was truly a Sacred Gathering, and an awesome birthday date!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Okay, so maybe I am a conference junkie
One of the really neat 'perks' of living north of Atlanta and attending a Northpoint Ministries congregation, is meeting and serving with some wonderful people. I have the pleasure of being a 4th grade coach in our elementary small environment called Upstreet. I work with some amazing men and women who love Jesus and pour themselves into the 50+ 4th grade boys and girls who come to our room each Sunday. We have Small Group Leaders, Greeters, and Production folks. Then on Sunday afternoons I serve with a small team of parents who show up each week to prepare and serve a snack supper to about 120 high school students during their worship and small group environment called Inside Out. All of these folks volunteer and many volunteer in other ministries also. So in addition to good fellowship and awesome worship experiences, this has opened the doors to several other ministry opportunities.
Two weeks ago about 1500 college student leaders gathered at the Thirsty07 Conference, a ministry of Louie Giglio's organization, Passion. I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the registration desk and on the Touch team. I met people from all over the country who came to Alpharetta to give of themselves for 3 days to serve God and others. I had the opportunity to hear some amazing servants of God, including Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, and David Crowder.
People came because they were are thirsty to hear from God, and God showed up--it was such a blessing.
Last week, Edgar let me move into the Hyaitt hotel in Smyrna GA for 3 days so I could volunteer at the Orange conference, sponsored by the Rethink Group--wow! (My wonderful niece, Anita, really made this possible because she came and stayed with my kids.) For years I looked forward to the Grow Up conference at Northpoint as a conference attendee. It was there that God opened my eyes to new ways to think about children's ministry. I always described it as "a big party where you learn alot". The Rethink Group, under Reggie Joiner's leadership now has expanded their ministry and are challenging church leaders around the world to combine strategies to be more effective. The Orange Conference was their first conference and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be there serving over 3800 attendees from all over the world. The main sessions were as great as I had expected; inspiring worship, hilarious skits, and challenging messages. In addition to hearing from Reggie, Sue Miller, Francis Chan, and Donald Miller, Jeff Foxworthy made an appearance--what fun.
Did I work hard? You bet, this old gal was exhausted, but it was glorious! Did I make a difference? I hope so; I was simply one of many who were a 'little part of something big'. I can hardly wait until next year when hopefully I can serve again. I guess I really am a conference junkie, and I am so grateful to have such incredible conferences in my neck of the woods. Thanks, God.
Two weeks ago about 1500 college student leaders gathered at the Thirsty07 Conference, a ministry of Louie Giglio's organization, Passion. I had the incredible opportunity to volunteer at the registration desk and on the Touch team. I met people from all over the country who came to Alpharetta to give of themselves for 3 days to serve God and others. I had the opportunity to hear some amazing servants of God, including Francis Chan, Louie Giglio, and David Crowder.
People came because they were are thirsty to hear from God, and God showed up--it was such a blessing.
Last week, Edgar let me move into the Hyaitt hotel in Smyrna GA for 3 days so I could volunteer at the Orange conference, sponsored by the Rethink Group--wow! (My wonderful niece, Anita, really made this possible because she came and stayed with my kids.) For years I looked forward to the Grow Up conference at Northpoint as a conference attendee. It was there that God opened my eyes to new ways to think about children's ministry. I always described it as "a big party where you learn alot". The Rethink Group, under Reggie Joiner's leadership now has expanded their ministry and are challenging church leaders around the world to combine strategies to be more effective. The Orange Conference was their first conference and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to be there serving over 3800 attendees from all over the world. The main sessions were as great as I had expected; inspiring worship, hilarious skits, and challenging messages. In addition to hearing from Reggie, Sue Miller, Francis Chan, and Donald Miller, Jeff Foxworthy made an appearance--what fun.
Did I work hard? You bet, this old gal was exhausted, but it was glorious! Did I make a difference? I hope so; I was simply one of many who were a 'little part of something big'. I can hardly wait until next year when hopefully I can serve again. I guess I really am a conference junkie, and I am so grateful to have such incredible conferences in my neck of the woods. Thanks, God.
This is a milestone week for me; I am another year older, hopefully wiser, and have decided to begin this journey by beginning a blog. It has been a while since I kept a journal and perhaps this is a way to re institute putting thoughts on paper. I don't know if it will be read by anyone, but I believe the value is in the composition more than in the audience. So I begin.
My over riding thoughts just now center around my increasingly feeble attempts at parenting. Yesterday was Mother's Day and my own mother died when my first child was 5 years old. I have spent the bulk of my career working with children and their parents and although I have a lifetime of experiences, I seem to have few answers.
My children amaze me each day. It is a little tricky having an almost grown daughter who feels ready to spread her wings and a young son who still filters most of his world through his parents. I believe in helping children to become independent, yet the thought of her stepping out into the world without me is terrifying. Always bright, fearless, eager to try new things, and happy, she is passionate about the injustices in the world and is going to Africa this summer to do her part to make a difference. I am proud, excited, nervous, fearful, and expectant all at once. The last sixteen years have gone so quickly and daily I think of things I want her to know before she goes off to college.
My son has a heart of gold. He is imaginative, thoughtful, bright, and struggles with processing basic academic information. I have spent my life as an educator and yet feel like a failure when it comes to helping him learn. I want to celebrate his uniqueness and am angry that he must conform to be considered successful. As I observe him daily I so admire his innocent love of life.
I am thankful that of all the attributes of God, He refers to Himself most often as our Father. His example to us of how to parent our children with unconditional love is one of the gifts for which I am most grateful. I want to give good gifts to my children, to love them, to support them, and to guide them. Most of all, I want to point them to their Heavenly Father who, unlike this earthly mother, does know what is best for them in all situations. I will continue to pray for wisdom and take it one day at a time, but at the end of the day, each day, I must give them back to their Father and ask Him to work through my good intentions to accomplish His perfect plan. After all, they are simply on loan to me.
My over riding thoughts just now center around my increasingly feeble attempts at parenting. Yesterday was Mother's Day and my own mother died when my first child was 5 years old. I have spent the bulk of my career working with children and their parents and although I have a lifetime of experiences, I seem to have few answers.
My children amaze me each day. It is a little tricky having an almost grown daughter who feels ready to spread her wings and a young son who still filters most of his world through his parents. I believe in helping children to become independent, yet the thought of her stepping out into the world without me is terrifying. Always bright, fearless, eager to try new things, and happy, she is passionate about the injustices in the world and is going to Africa this summer to do her part to make a difference. I am proud, excited, nervous, fearful, and expectant all at once. The last sixteen years have gone so quickly and daily I think of things I want her to know before she goes off to college.
My son has a heart of gold. He is imaginative, thoughtful, bright, and struggles with processing basic academic information. I have spent my life as an educator and yet feel like a failure when it comes to helping him learn. I want to celebrate his uniqueness and am angry that he must conform to be considered successful. As I observe him daily I so admire his innocent love of life.
I am thankful that of all the attributes of God, He refers to Himself most often as our Father. His example to us of how to parent our children with unconditional love is one of the gifts for which I am most grateful. I want to give good gifts to my children, to love them, to support them, and to guide them. Most of all, I want to point them to their Heavenly Father who, unlike this earthly mother, does know what is best for them in all situations. I will continue to pray for wisdom and take it one day at a time, but at the end of the day, each day, I must give them back to their Father and ask Him to work through my good intentions to accomplish His perfect plan. After all, they are simply on loan to me.
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