Stacey’s Blog

Our kids will begin a Super Hero Training Course in our new Bible study series called “Heroes of Mega City”

In Mega City, life is just like any other town, so long as that town has heroes running about fighting injustice with the inspiration of the heroes from the Bible.

We’ll be learning from these Bible heroes:

Noah and Nehemiah:  Heroes never give up doing good ~ You should never give up doing good.  Bible Verse:  2 Thess. 3:13

Nathan and David, Balaam, Miciah:  Heroes tell the truth ~ God wants us to tell the truth.  Bible Verse:  Eph. 4:15a

Abraham and Lot, Feeding of the five thousand, The poor widow:  Heroes are generous ~ God wants us to be generous.  Bible Verse:  2 Cor. 9:7c

Ruth and Boaz:  Heroes do what they say they will do ~ When we say we are going to do something, God wants us to do it.  Bible Verse:  2 Cor. 9:7b

Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, Stephen:  Heroes stand up for what is right ~ We need to do what is right no matter what the outcome or consequences are.  Bible Verse:  1 Cor. 16:13

Jacob and Esau:  Heroes Forgive ~ We need to forgive people regardless of if they’ve asked for it.  Bible Verse:  Col. 3:13

John the Baptist, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet:  Heroes are humble ~ Pride is dangerous because it makes us think too highly of ourselves.  Bible Verse:  Phil. 2:3

Esther:  Heroes are loyal ~ God wants us to be loyalty.   Bible Verse:  Prov. 3:3a

Real heroes are focused on God’s purpose in their character, their attitude, and their choices! Real heroes know that who we are on the inside and how we act on the outside is far more important than any ole Spider Man or Batman or Obi Wan or Transformers or Incredibles or Neo or Fantastic Four super powers! 

Peace out!

I recently got an email with some great insight and the most adorable baby pictures to illustrate each point and I’d love to share with ya…great focus points for the new year!

• Of all the things I wear, my expression is the most important.
• The best vitamin for making friends:  B-1
• The quality of my life depends on the quality of my thoughts.
• The heaviest thing I can carry is a grudge.
• I should keep my words soft & sweet in case I have to eat them.
• One thing I can give and still keep:  my word
• One thing I can’t recycle is wasted time.
• I lie the loudest when I lie to myself.
• Ideas won’t work unless “I” do.
• My mind is like a parachute…it functions only when open.
• The Ten Commandments are not multiple choice.

In this “it’s all about me” world, wouldn’t it be awesome if all the me’s just wanted to be what God wants us to be!!! 

Whatever!?!  Yep…

Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things.  Philippians 4:8

Life is tough sometimes…something happens and you wonder - what’s up with that?  You try to stay positive but then discouragement tries to creep in…but if we just listen, God speaks to us (in a quiet whisper or with a ton of bricks) to keep us on track - the key, and the choice, is for us to hear Him and obey.  I just got some emails this week that I believe God used my friends to speak to me and I’m sure they didn’t even know how it would encourage me in many ways…like Brother Reagan’s messages speak to so many folks and bless us in so many different ways!  So if you thought you were just shooting an email my way, thank you for the bigger impact you made!

…one friend said, go have a B.A.D. day - and that reminded me that B.A.D. stands for Blessed And Delivered!  Amen!

Another stated…God is ready to bless you in a way that only He can.  Keep the faith!

One quoted Maya Angelou:  “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

And one was an article I read that spoke to how important teamwork is in the church.  It even quoted 2 Timothy 2:15 (which is our AWANA theme verse too) to remind us that a valuable team player must possess knowledge of the game, but it’s not as important how well you played in the past, you must play well now.  It’s imperative to know and follow God’s game plan…working together, leading by setting the example in your attitude, thinking, and actions.  It said the best teams review and evaluate constantly, accomplishments and mistakes, always with a passion to learn more, striving to grow your ministry.

Over the past eight weeks in Children’s Church on Sunday morning, Kids Cross Country has been studying the Fruit of the Spirit - joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and love.  We’ve learned from David’s example of positive attitude and life choices that were focused on God’s Will for him even through much temptation and rejection.  He could have complained.  He could have decided to do things his own way.  He could have failed to praise God in the difficult times but his choice was to be faithful and patient, continuing to pray, and knowing that no one could steal the joy God gave him.

It is a blessing to work with a team of fellow servants focused on God’s Will in their lives, supporting one another in the Kingdom Work, choosing to make life choices that praise God and set positive examples for our children.  Hmmm for the Day:  Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday once a year, it’s the state of mind that we should choose to live each day.  I’m truly thankful for the positive influences that God has planted around me.  I pray that He will always give us the desire, courage, and endurance to see past any distractions so that we stay focused on Him and live that positive Fruit of the Spirit!

: )

Wow - what a cool website!  Thanks Brother Bob!  

I’m new to the world of bloggin’ but hope to give you Kids Cross Country info even quicker here.  I look forward to hearin’ from you!  We’ll add some more cool stuff for the kids too!

If you can help with a game booth or setup/take-down at the Fall Festival (Oct. 27th  6:00-8:00 pm), let me know.

In your crazy rush and list of things to do, please add one more thing…remind yourself that you are a very important person!  AND you are loved by many but, most importantly, by THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE, our AWESOME GOD!