Camp Kidstowne

Where did all these kids come from? They were everywhere! Way more than we expected and planned for but not more than we could handle.

Last night Camp Kidstowne 09 kicked off with a bang! More than 150 kids showed up for all the games, music, crafts, fun, Bible stories, drama, and music. It was loud and wild.

But it was not out of control.

Our Children's Ministry Team did an amazing job. There were tons of volunteers, lots of supplies, plenty of plans, and more than enough smiles and hugs to go around. While the kids continued to stream in the volunteers adapted and made things go as smoothly as possible. Nobody panicked. Nobody griped. Nobody ran out screaming and pulling their hair (although I thought about it just for kicks). The entire team handled it as if they had planned it just that way. Instead of reacting negatively, everyone responded positively and saw what was happening as a blessing from God, not a disaster in the making.

So What?

First off, there is nothing better than a team with the same vision and passion. Way to go guys. Second, when things in life don't go as planned, don't spaz. Look and see if God is doing something amazing just to see if you're paying attention.

Here comes night number 2!

Good vs. Bad

A lot has happened since my last post. Some very good. Some very bad. OK. Not VERY bad, but bad enough.

Let's start with some of the bad and finish with the good.

Life got the best of me. Busyness, fatigue, bad decisions, and general junk. I truly allowed it to take over. No excuses. No whining. Just the facts.

The Good: We have baptized people the last three weeks and have baptisms scheduled for the next several weeks. Very cool! I got to baptize a guy in the hospital. Awesome! Our services have been directed and attended by the Holy Spirit lately in a significant way. My youngest son and I have been riding motorcycles a lot. My daughter is getting smarter, older, and prettier (OK, that one is good and bad for a Dad). My wife is more beautiful and awesome than ever. My oldest son is having a great summer in NC. My dad turned 71 and is in great health.

I could go on for a while.

So what?

My good list is longer than the bad list. I think that's how God wants it to be for us. He never said things would always be great in life but He did say He would help is through the junk. He promises to forgive us when we are stupid and love us through the consequences of our foolishness. And, Bonus, He will even teach us through the junk if we will allow Him.

Check your lists. See how they compare. Make the necessary changes in your life to grow the good list and shrink the bad list. After all, that's what God's Best is all about.