Hey, Darling Things!
Melissa and I worked out of town most of last week in New Orleans so I feel dreadfully out of the loop. (That’s a story for another time and an experience that proved very fruitful to our souls.) I was also leaving some space for our beloved Amanda to do some blogging about her trip with Compassion International to Ecuador last week but, alas, her laptop completely crashed and it was everything she could do to borrow laptops and get articles up on her own blog. They had limited time and internet access so doubling up on two blogs was almost impossible. She’s going to stop by later this week on the blog and give you some highlights. We are so glad to have her home safe and sound and grateful to God that He uses her to bring attention to poverty stricken children. Amanda had the opportunity to be under the leadership of our good friend Shaun Groves and to serve alongside many of your favorite bloggers and women I’m so personally crazy about: Melanie Shankle (Big Mama), Sophie Hudson (Boomama), Kelly Stamps (Kelly’s Corner) and Ann Voskamp (A Holy Experience). To say that I’m thankful to our own Lindsee for her partnership in serving you is an understatement. She grows dearer and dearer to us everyday.
Let’s see now. What have I been up to? I know one area where I could catch you up! Like many of you, church life is a huge part of my personal life. We are officially heading into our third month as a church plant at Bayou City Fellowship under my dear son-in-law’s pastorate here in Houston. He has done a magnificent job of leading the charge and bringing the Scriptures. You’ve also never seen a core team work any harder and with any better attitudes. You may recall that we are renting space at a large Christian high school so everything has to be set up from scratch every week for the many children and for anything else unique to BCF. (Like signs, posters, welcome tables, community group information, the platform for worship, etc.) I shared with you several months ago that I was just going to serve wherever they asked me. So, here’s what I’ve gotten to do so far and have loved every single second of it:
*My main job is greeting so I do lots and lots of that. I say a plethora of hellos and ask about their week and I also hug anyone that looks like she needs one or just wants one. I also try to read that look on a face that says, “Don’t touch me.” And then I usually refrain. If I don’t, I usually wish I had. Grin. I just hate the awkwardness of hugging someone who doesn’t hug back.
*I also help with the coffee bar each Sunday morning and I have told Pastor Curtis on a number of occasions NEVER to underestimate the ministry of coffee. We find out just how crucial we are every single time something goes wrong resulting in a dismal coffee fail. (Which has indeed and unfortunately happened on several occasions. The shock and awe on disappointed faces were enough to leave Melissa and me nearly permanently scarred. Caffeine addicts without their caffeine should have their pictures plastered on warning posters. They are dangerous. I nearly wore a bicycle helmet the week following our worst debacle.) We usually serve two different flavors: Texas Pecan and Cocoa Nibs (I never know what to think about the word “nibs.” I wouldn’t have chosen it.)
And, of course, we serve real half and half. That’s key to a decent coffee bar. Powder is unforgivably lame and, should you set it out on the counter, no one will take you seriously as a coffee connoisseur. I also bring some holiday flavorings that tend to be big hits. My friend Beverly Newman (a Christian counselor I’ve known for I bet 20 years and a new member of BCF) has a young adult daughter who is a fabulous cook. Almost every Sunday morning, Beverly brings a silver platter of baked goodies via her talented offspring and we set it out near the coffee. We’ve had all sorts of creations like, for instance, carrot cake balls and oatmeal raisin cookies. Yesterday she sent delicate, nearly paper-thin sugar cookies in the shape of gingerbread men that only had a hint of gingerbread in them. I nearly cried they were so good. Needless to say, it’s first come, first serve so they don’t last very long.
*One week I got to help take the offering and it was so exciting. I was nervous that I’d drop the plate or miss a row or repeat one twice so I prayed that I’d do a good job at it and, frankly, I may have, to God be the glory. Laughing. One of the things that’s so exciting about a church plant is that you are OUT ON A VERY THIN LONG LIMB. Out there at high risk. Many don’t make it. At my beloved church of nearly thirty years, unless we were in a building campaign, I don’t really remember being intensely prayerful or hyped up in the spirit over our offerings. I say that to my shame. It’s such a big church with so many faithful members and I guess I just had the feeling that it would all get covered. We participated in giving, of course, but I just can’t remember often feeling a deep sense of urgency. Taking the offering is a whole different thing at a church plant. Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about. Our pastor is very serious about missions and outreach so, on several occasions, he’s designated a large part of what we receive toward another ministry. I’m so thankful for that. I respect him – and his wife – very much.
*And, last but far from least, I get to help on occasion with the elementary school students during children’s church. I love getting to do craft-time with Amanda. She works with the children every other week so she stays quite busy on Sundays and it’s fun for us to partner. Twice I’ve gotten to teach the Bible lesson and I just love it. It feels so good to be teaching on Sunday mornings again. The kids get really involved in the lesson and answer back with great gusto when I ask them to repeat something. They also use a lot of their limbs during worship and I like that. I tend to use mine too. Yesterday our lesson was out of Genesis 18 when the three visitors appeared to Abraham. I got four volunteers to help me act it out: three boys for the visitors and one girl to play Sarah and yours truly was Abraham. On Saturday night, I wished so much that I could find one of those long fake gray beards to wear during the lesson but I did not have time to acquire one. I was so mad at myself for not thinking of it sooner. If only I could have remembered where I last set mine. I had several wigs for such occasions but, sadly, no spare beards. The children and I talked about what kind of meals we might make if God and two angels visited us one day while we were in our tents. Hands down, the children believed God and angels alike would most appreciate macaroni and cheese and who could argue with that? Others felt that pizza would be particularly hospitable. They were so enthusiastic that I had a feeling like God would join many of them for lunch that day. They just might not know it.
I had a really sweet moment yesterday that I pray God will seal in my memory forever. Miss Cassie was leading us in children’s worship and all the other workers and I mixed in with the children. We were all on our feet ready to give God some raucous praise and my darling Jackson caught my eye and motioned for me to come worship by him. It touched me so. I really didn’t know what he’d think about Bibby serving in his class but I knew then that he was not embarrassed. He’s such a champ. Miss Cassie leads us in very upbeat worship where we can sing loud and do lots of hand motions. There was even one time when we got to pogo (one of my love languages) and turn around in circles and pump our right fists into the air as we sang “One way, Jesus!” (I’m laughing but also getting a lump in my throat thinking about it.) There we were, a grandson and his grandmother, grinning ear to ear, jumping up and down side by side, praising Jesus, the worthy Son of God.
And I realized how many of my prayers God had answered. As I lived and breathed, it was praise-dancing with granny. In public.
You mothers and you teachers of children, do not dare minimize the power and importance of your labor. The great commission is never more readily received than by the flailing arms of children.
Oh, mercy. I’ve got to get ready for staff prayer time and devotional. Better run! Forgive type-o’s! How are you girls doing???
Hey LBM (little Beth Moore):
Nibs and pogo stick. Hmmmm…now when was the last time I heard those 2 words, inparticular in the same story? If those 2 words don’t make a girl smile I’m not sure what will. Just funny to say and see in print. Nibs, nibs, nibs, nibs. Say that several times and see what you do…smile! You help to remind me that ministry doesn’t have to be all sad and serious. Fun and funny things are a part of it too!! Thank you.
You are blessed,
P
Oh Beth,
“You mothers and you teachers of children, do not dare minimize the power and importance of your labor. The great commission is never more readily received than by the flailing arms of children.”
Do you know HOW BADLY I needed to hear that??!!!!
Thank you. Glory to God.
With love,
Anita
Such a precious post – it just made me cry. The time you spend with your grandchildren will become memories they’ll treasure forever. I miss my grandmothers so much, and it saddens me deeply that my own children didn’t have that relationship with their grandparents. If the Lord wills, I pray someday I’ll be a wonderful grandmother to my own grandkids.
Hi Siesta Momma! I can’t wait to hear what you & Melissa were up to!
I was following Amanda & the rest of the bloggers throughout the week…awesome. Just awesome. Stories & pictures…and God moving, oh my! Those sweet faces are TMTH (too much to handle), pure sweetness.
It wasn’t too many months ago that I was asked to help out in the children’s department when they needed an extra hand on Sunday mornings. Of course, I let them know I had a soft spot for “fresh” new babies (who can’t get enough of those sweet smellin things) but was waivering on the idea of being in my own two children’s classes. I was thinking they’d miss out with me there…be more concerned about sharing Mommy, than hearing about the Lord. I was wrong though…what a BLESSING it is when I am placed with them…sharing in that time of learning & loving the Lord together at church. Sweetness.
You make my heart happy, Siesta Momma. Thank you for saying hi! I hope you have an ABUNDANTLY blessed day in the Lord. <3
“You mothers and you teachers of children, do not dare minimize the power and importance of your labor. The great commission is never more readily received than by the flailing arms of children.”
Oh how I needed these words today, Beth! I am a SAHM who homeschools my three kids and sometimes get discouraged if we’re behind and/or no one wants to learn. I needed the perspective that I am carrying out the Great Commission every single day no matter what. Love you, Siesta Mama.
So love your excitement for your church.
I love the children in our church and am also blessed to help with our Children’s Choir right now. Expecting my first grandchild in a few weeks and so hope some day to be “praise dancing with granny!” Brings a tear to my eye.
Wow… I am so excited for your new venture in Christ! It sounds if though BCF is doing fabulously!! All of the new, fun things you are getting to do… We (my husband & I) too are getting ready to walk through a new door. I have no idea what God has in store for us, but after being OUT of the ministry for so long & walking a very treacherous path for the past several years… God opened up the floodgates of HIS WORD this past Sunday night & revealed to my husband & I that HE is holding the key & is about to unlock the door!!! I am beside myself waiting to see what is on the other side of that door. I don’t know what to expect… but I am expecting!! I am so excited for all that HE has planned for my family. (We also have 2 children ages 11 & almost 13… & oh is this age ever a challenge! Both in middle school now… Heaven help us all! LOL) I share in your excitement. I am looking to bring you my own exciting news very soon!!! 🙂
God bless you… you are loved, Sweet Siesta Mama! 🙂
LOVED this update from you. Thank you for sharing.
I remember you talking about praise dancing with granny back when Amanda was pregnant. My how time flies! How faithful is our God to allow such a gift?! Cherish every moment.
Much love to Siesta Mama from Iowa.
Nancy J
Praise Dancing with Granny, I love that. I remember when you first announced that jackson was on his way and how you wanted to have praise dancing with Granny. At that time we didnt have any grandchildren but we now have 2 precious girls the oldest is almost 4 and we have had some precious moments of praise dancing and prayers and talking about Jesus. They are so precious. It is such an honor to be able to share my Jesus with this new generation, It is also an honor to watch her daddy make sure his girls are going to church and getting grounded in the word. I thank God daily for them .
It has been my great reward to work with children at several churches. For the first time I am with pre-schoolers. To say I am out of my comfort zone would be such an understatement I dare not even breach it. To put it in some sort of perspective, I’ve never even changed a diaper. And where did God put me? With 2-year olds.
Bless their tantrum-filled hearts. One child in particular I just couldn’t seem to get through. I tried to love on her and involve her with seemingly no progress. Quite defeated I gathered my bags after a particularly taxing Sunday morning and bid my class good-bye as the last hour teacher took over. In the door way I was thrown off balance as little Charlotte crashed into the back of my legs and hugged my knees with all her might. When I turned around I choked on my own tears as she handed me her picture of Noah’s rainbow to take with me. A sign of Promise.
Isn’t God funny like that sometimes?
Our God is an awesome God! Sometimes we need those little people crashing into our legs to remind us! So are you still out of your comfort zone?
Blessings sweet Kirsten!
Beth: I remember the story that you told when Curtis and Amanda announced their first pregnancy and the box with the streamers/banners in it and that there would be dancing with Granny and Curtis was not so sure about the whole thing. I loved hearing the story back then and I loved envisioning it coming full circle now! You see I have two boys of my own. 20 and 23 yrs. old and it seems like just yesterday they were Jackson’s size. I wanted to share that over the years I didn’t walk with God like I have been for the past 10 years. I missed so much of what God had for me and my family and yet he has been so faithful to bring my hopes, dreams and prayers for this family of mine full circle. My youngest is a baseball player at Mississippi State University and he is meeting weekly with the team pastor studying scripture, learning God’s ways. He is being mentored by a wonderful, faith filled young man of God. Ha-le-lu-jah! January 15, 2011 scripture memory verse is Isaiah 54:13 “All my sons will be taught by the Lord and great will be my children’s peace.” A full circle moment for me when I got a text from him a few weeks back listing his memory verses for the week. Of course I texted him back the scripture above and told him that God is faithful and he can be trusted. When I read your post it just made me smile once again to hear of his faithfulness and that we can ask for anything and He is always faithful. That when I pray I can ask for my hearts desires but if He didn’t (not couldn’t) do that to ask him to do something better! That text was better….that dancing with Jackson had to be better than you ever prayed or dreamed. That’s the kind of God we serve. Oh LORD let us be faithful and our hearts be pure before you and may we know that you are a full circle God….No beginning, no end to your existence and your love for us. Thanks for sharing your stories, your life. It encourages me in my walk with Jesus. You are loved sweet lady and I can hardly wait to worship with you and sit under your teaching in December in Pensacola and celebrate SSMT in Houston in January. Until then keep dancing with Jesus and that little man!
Thank you for sharing this! We are so blessed to have you share the Bible Story in BCF Kids. I loved watching them light up as you told the story of Abraham and the visitors. It was a great day.
This made me smile big and tear up a little. We just celebrated five years with a church plant we’re privileged to be a part of. I started out in the hospitality area and I’m telling you that Satan must know what a distraction a shortage of caffeine can be to church folk, because we had our share of mishaps, too! Thankfully we can laugh about them now.
I’m now serving down the kids hall with my husband. I was worried because a couple of my own kids are down there, but it has been a joy to be part of that time with them. I was also worried that it would be too much to serve with kids after spending all week homeschooling my own, but it’s not. In fact, I can draw on that experience to relate to the many personalities we encounter each week.
Thanks for sharing! I just love these posts about BCF because they bring back sweet memories of the passion, craziness & hard work that goes into being part of a church plant.
Pamela/ Bishop. Ca Ephesians 3:20-21 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. ESV
Oh, THANK YOU for this fun update! I’ve worked at Starbucks for quite sometime and help run the coffee bar at my church. I have actually been praying since the moment I first got wind of Curtis and Amanda’s new journey that someday (soon, I hope!) I can move to Houston and help with the coffee bar and working with Jr. High/ High Schoolers at Bayou. That would be so very fun for me!
I’m listening to “Jeremiah’s Eat, Pray, Love” at ONEPLACE.com and I squeezed with delight all morning today while hearing the last recording that they posted. I have had a strong suspicion for YEARS that your “loved one in bondage” was your sis. And I’ve prayed for years as I’ve heard you mention that loved one in multiple events and studies. And I could understand the hugeness of you being freed to talk about it. I’m celebrating and dancing with you AND her. (Gay, is it?) I desperately wish I could meet her! She is giving me the hope I need at this very season, because I have a sister who’s in extreme bondage and I needed this story. Thank you, Jesus!
I love how He weaves everything so intricately together!
What a sweet post, Beth. I’m fairly new and don’t feel right calling you Siesta Mama just yet! I am blessed with three grandsons. When the two-year-old didn’t want to cuddle with Mimi when I asked, his big brother who’s 5 piped up and said, “I’ll cuddle with you, Mimi.” My heart just melted.
I know the Lord had Big plans for my life! I know that somehow children are involved. I pray He reveals his purpose for my life soon!!
Love you blog, Beth. Found it by reading several of your books. “Get Out of That Pit” is a fave! We’re blessed to have you!
Diane,
Hi! Welcome to Siestaville, my favorite place in the world to visit. You are loved and accepted here, Siesta! And you’d better get used to calling Beth Siesta Mama-because not only do we very affectionately refer to her in this way, but she very proudly calls HERSELF our Mama. It’s a title she carries with love and is proud to have!:)
I hope you find some incredible new friends, here. I know I did! You’ll get to know people after hanging around a bit. I eventually became Facebook friends with some of these incredible ladies and we follow each others lives through our blogs. They are all over the world- and I’ve slowly begun to meet some of them at Living Proof Live conferences. It’s so incredible to meet someone you’ve called “sister” for a while already!
Anyway, Siestaville welcomes you. I welcome you. Pull up a chair. Come hang out!
I loved this whole update but just had to get on here and tell you how choked up I am at the image of you and Jackson worshipping together. What a sweet memory…for both of you. I loved reading about that today.
Be blessed today! xo
I loved hearing about you “pogoing” with children. Each summer I work at Royal Family Kids Camp (a camp for children who have suffered from neglect/abuse) and I love, love, love worshiping with these sweet kids. I have never felt the power of the holy spirit more strongly than when we’re all singing and dancing to “everything’s okay and everything’s alright cuz I got Jesus in my life!” I know those songs and memories last with our children long after camp is over, just as they do with me.
Beth,
Thank you for touching me with your words. My mother is very ill with MS and not able to be with me and my children as much as we would like. Your stories and words of your own daughters and grandchildren touch some of that need for me. So thankful for the Lord and how he is using you to love on others.
Nell, Chattanooga, Tn., “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27- 1 NIV
Dear Beth,
Thank you so much for this update! I am a Grandma of a 5 year old girl and her 1 year old brother. I have been an elemementary special ed. teacher for 25 years, with a years off with each of my 3 children, and have volunteered with children and youth for 29 years.
Now, I am teaching my church’s weekday education program for 3 year olds on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and substituting on others days. So today, after a long day of trying to teach children about being Thankful to God with lots of Praise Singing and activity. . .this was just what I needed to read today.
Also, wanted to tell you that our pastor has quoted from your book about Paul the last two Sundays. You are speaking to people all over the world when you don’t even know it through all of your writings. I am so thankful for you!
What a blessing to praise God with your grandson! Maybe someday I will be able to do that with mine! Being a grandparent is so special!!
I just loved it all Siesta Mama!! I have one ity bity grandson (1 1/2yrs) and every little moment with him I want to remember for ever!! Can’t wait until we can sing praise to the Lord together!!!
Love you, and love hearing from you~Praying for you and the Family : )
I love the song you got to worship to in kids worship! After being in youth ministry for 10 years, my husband is now the pastor of our church (a different one than we were in youth ministry at). I haven’t had opportunities to help with the children as much…really, I want to help out everywhere, but being on the worship team is my focus for now. I’m super excited, though, because my husband-pastor and I will get to take on the grade-schoolers on Wednesday nights beginning in January. We have 2nd & 3rd grade boys, so we get plenty of time around children, but we love being able to teach them. How fun! So glad Amanda’s home safe and your trip was refreshing. Only 66 days to go til we get to celebrate like Scripture-filled women~I CAN’T WAIT!!!
love,
Audrey
I Thessalonians 5: 16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Hey siesta mama!
Boy can I relate to where you are right now. My husband is a missions pastor and we plant churches in low income communities. It is a wild ride to say the least.
Speaking of wild rides, next Tuesday my ladies group will finish your revelation study. Tonight was session 10. It was an amazing lesson! You blessed my socks off! I love it when the Lord gives you exactly what you need right when you need it! I will be sad when we finish next week but I hope to facilitate the James study next semester.
Thank you so much for serving us!
Love ya!
Beth, your lesson with the kids and God visiting reminds me of an experience I may not have shared when our daughter, who has Down syndrome, was about 16 yrs old. This was during her confirmation time. One morning she came in the kitchen after just waking up and I cannot describe in words the glow that was coming from her! I was so startled I asked her what was going on. She described Jesus coming during the night and taking her on a picnic! She said he had blue eyes just like hers and he told her how much he loved her and me and her dad and brother. This happened on another occasion shortly after that. Our Pastor said no he did not have to take her physically out of our house, but that God reaches out and talks to those he loves in anyway that person can understand. She has a Bible just for 4th grade readers and even at that age if she got scared at night she said he would tell her to read a Psalm and each time she showed me the verses they were exactly what she was praying for – not to be afraid. God is so faithful and so loving.
Have’t visited the blog for a while because it reminds me of how I have fallen behind in the scripture memorization…But I was encouraged today by your words reminding me of the importance of my job as a Mom. My kids are 15 and 17 and I am constantly thinking that I need to get out and really “contribute” to our family. I am encouraged today that my “contribution” as a Mom is the best I can make!
Thanks, Beth! You are a blessing!
good morning siesta’s sorry i am late in posting mine… so here goes… nov. 16,2011 Ps. 62:8
trust in him at all times ,o people pour out your hearts to him for God is our refuge… amen amen amen..
I can’t begin to tell you how much I have learned and enjoy your ministry. Through my own life experiences I can relate to all of your messages. I have a powerful testimony that has proven to me beyond any doubts that God does love us, and he will answer your needs and prayers if you just turn it over to him and do it his way. I would love to know if you have or will be doing any
lessons on painful family experiences, and getting through the emotional pain of not being loved
and “thrown away by parents”. Thank you, Kimberly, Raleigh, NC
Beth,
It is so exciting to hear what God is doing in your family’s new journey! To God be all the glory & praise! The story about you & Jackson touched me. It tugged on my heart making me want to share my story from this past Sunday morning. Our pastor’s sermon title was “The Legacy You Leave” & the idea was to put supreme value on the legacy you leave. He talked about investing in the passions God gives us to impact others lives for the power of Jesus & to do the best we can for the Glory of God with what we have. This had me thinking about being a mother, of four mind you, and the responsibility God gives us in raising our children for His glory. The charge is great and difficult sometimes, so at the end of the sermon my heart was tender about my children & being more purposeful on a daily basis. Well ny son, Ty, who is four years old, took my hand & said, “Mama, I want to go to the altar.” It was just what I needed, Jason & I took him down & prayed over him & of course we were mover to tears! What a joy to see God working & making my children tender to His voice even if he doesn’t understand it all yet! Praise God for His faithfulness to us!
P.S. sorry about some of the errors. My phone would not correct them, I kept trying but it wouldn’t take out what I needed it to! My son & moved to tears!
Oh this post made my heart sing! I haven’t been on in awhile. Like Amanda, my laptop crashed so I’m borrowing and it’s JUST NOT THE SAME! It’s like borrowing someone’s toothbrush. It feels icky.
I was SO there with you as I read how Jackson motioned to you to come praise with him, ah! My son is 3 1/2 and I know the utter joy when I sing with him the same Sunday school songs I sang as a kid, when he prays the innocent and pure prayers outloud that I prayed as a kid, when we share a moment together, now that he’s old enough to know he and I are sharing a laugh together. He looks at me like, “did you catch that mom? that was funny.” I cherish those connections with him.
Agreed: powdered coffee creamer….lame-O.
PS-Just watched you on Life Today and you taught the first lesson in “Wrecked but not ruined” and it was such a timely word for me. I felt it to my toes. And your hair looked fabulous.
Oh, Beth…
Singing with hand motions and two-year olds is my priviledge every Sunday Morning! IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT, SHOUT AMEN! has sent the message of loving Sunday School all over the first floor of our church. And what a lesson I learned the morning a precious little one asked to sing “Jesus loves ME!” with such confidence and assurance. Aren’t we blessed to serve His little ones?!
Beth:
Let me tell you about our worship at Bible study last night. My sweet Hannah is 17 and moderately autistic. She brought her Travis cd for the worship song. I told the ladies I thought Hannah wanted to sign for us. Did she ever! She did sign language to Travis singing In Christ Alone. I just about come unglued. So precious. It is a wonderful thing to worship with your children.
Vicki…Corpus Christi,Tx…Psalm 68:19 NKJV
Blessed be the Lord,
Who daily loads us with benefits,
The God of our salvation!
Beth, you do my soul such good……your colorful language is so very amusing….I feel like I’m right there with you when you describe a situation. May God just continue to bless you and encourage you!!!
Stephanie, La Habra, CA Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth, give me an undivided heart, that I may honor your name. Ps 86:11 NIV
Bettie, Wendell, NC
Psalm 65:11 “You crown the year with your good
blessings, and you leave abundance
in your wake.”
I so enjoyed reading this post and just wanted to say, as a coffee lover, that I LOVE that you provide REAL half n half! I have been known to bring my own creamer when I know there will be powdered creamer! And I am so happy that you got to experience praise dancing with Granny in public!
Tears in my eyes and lump in my throat, too.
I remember when you announced your first grand child on the way, and looked forward to praise dancing with Granny! Ha! To see this actually come to fruition…. isn’t God so good?!
Thanks for the wonderful reminder of how God uses us to serve him in so many different ways. This week I was so blessed to have a young 6 year old boy come to church for the second time. He came up to me with panic in his big eyes, “I want to learn about God? Do you know anyone here who knows about God so they can teach me?” Blessed my heart.
When I read all of the other comments, I really wish I had something a little more profound to comment, but I don’t. I just wanted to give you an FYI: felt makes a really great beard for a Bible character. It doesn’t actually look real, but you’ll look just like the characters in the Bible story books. It’s so exciting to hear what God is doing in your church plant.
Oh, Beth, my husband and I visited the new Bayou City Fellowship in October and November. I could feel everyone’s excitement about God’s new work there. He is raising up people to carry out a mighty work there. We live in Malvern, Arkansas but are required to travel to MD Anderson in Houston every 28 days. Jim has advanced prostate cancer and is in a clinical trial there. Knowing we would miss our worship service at home, we wanted to come and worship with ya’ll there. Our first Sunday in October, Curtis took time before church to visit with us. We enjoyed the music, message, and spirit we heard and felt there. This month we enjoyed the Orphan Sunday. The display we walked through going into the service was an eye-opener and very convicting. We loved hearing the precious foster/adoptive parents talk about their passion for rescuing needy children. If the Lord wills, we’ll be back in December and will be looking forward to worship with ya’ll and try some of that Texas coffee!
As a proud grandmother myself, I can relate. Have taken up the challenge to memorize James and what better time to practice out loude than Wednesdays and Saturdays when I keep 7 year old Oliver (Ollie )and 2-month old Tallulah Rose (Lulu). hough my caption would have to be Jamming with James & Nina. Hope it still counts if I do it with hand gestures and several voices!
We also joined a church plant, and are so blessed to have found a place with such passion for Jesus and for ministering to those in need. I completely understand what you mean about the difference in commitment to offerings,though-our previous church had also been much larger, and things were pretty much always covered with little notice on my part. But if I were to be completely honest, our previous church also didn’t do a lot of outreach, and there is always a cost involved in outreach. I can’t even put into words how awesome, humbling, and refreshing it has been to be in a place where I get to frequently see God meet needs in ways that only He can.
My husband & I also have the honor of leading children’s ministry at our church and I can say first hand that there is nothing sweeter than watching children worship! We started having the children lead a worship song in “big” church once a month where they get to teach the adults one of their worship songs(complete with motions!) They get such joy out of being able to watch the adults worship “their” way, and the adults love having a reason to act like children on a regular basis =). (It also has the added bonus of removing any pride from the room ;)….)
I am anxiously awaiting the day when I get to have my own “dancing with granny” moment-We spent hours dancing when my kids were little (it was consistently the one way that worked to corral them when things got rowdy!), but since we have 3 daughters, I first have to convince my husband that boys aren’t always the enemy!
Thank you, Beth. I loved this.
Dear Ms. Beth,
Thank you so much for being so real! You make me smile and I just love your enthusiasm. My church is very non-traditional but we have yet to have pogoing! I’ll have to see what we can do about that oversight. And yes, although my church has been around for awhile, it still has that feeling that God has adventure around the next corner or the next second. It is such a joy to be a part of His church and to just know that He is in control Even during coffee catastophes. (grin)
Much love and prayers for you and Bayou City.
Bunny